We
woke up to a whitish Christmas—maybe an inch-and-a-half of snow—some of which
the cows were wearing this morning. Even though it was only 5°, they were kept
warm by their dense, fluffy coats; insulating layers of fat; and internal- heating
rumen.
University
researchers advise cattlemen that for every degree below 20°, cows require a 1%
increase in energy intake, aka food, just to maintain their body condition. Wind
chill is factored into the equation as well. As I write, the thermometer reads
-4°, sans wind chill, which means that each cow must eat 24% more than she
usually does. I’d say that if she's pregnant, she needs even more. A cow
doesn’t have to be told to eat that much more; the more inclement the weather,
the hungrier she is. (Thankfully, we have more pasture than cows and plenty of
hay in reserve, just in case it’s a really tough winter.)
Maybe
people aren’t all that different than cows. When Hubby, Zach, and I ate our
Christmas dinner this afternoon, we ate approximately 24% more than usual!
“For He satisfies
the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” –PSALM 107:9
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