A new study from the University of Missouri has revealed that cows that shed their winter hair coats earlier in the year tend to raise heavier and healthier calves. This trait, often overlooked, is now considered economically important—especially in areas where heat and humidity are rising challenges for livestock farmers.
According to Jamie Courter, a beef genetics specialist at the university, “Early shedding reduces the risk of heat stress during critical growth periods. Cows that adapt faster tend to stay productive for longer and pass on growth benefits to their offspring.”
Data collected between March and July shows that calves born to early-shedding cows (those that began shedding in March) had an average weaning weight that was 57 pounds higher than calves from late-shedding cows (those shedding in July). This weight gain directly influences market value and herd performance.
The findings highlight that managing cattle for traits like hair shedding could significantly reduce the economic losses caused by heat stress and diseases like fescue toxicosis, which cost the beef industry billions annually.
