Why do cows sweat in the morning

Often, livestock breeders are faced with the fact that the cow sweats in the morning. And if in calves this is considered the norm, since their thermoregulation system is not yet able to fully fulfill its function, then in adults, a sign of excessive perspiration may indicate a disease. Therefore, it is worthwhile to figure out what factors can provoke profuse sweating in a cow, what to do in this case and how to prevent it.

Importance of sweating in cattle

Moderate sweating in cows and other animals is a natural physiological process. Thus, the body reacts to an increase in the temperature of the environment or body. This allows you to balance the balance and protect the body from overheating or hypothermia. Due to constant moderate sweating, the necessary temperature in the body is maintained. This ensures the full functioning of internal organs and systems.

Other functions of sweating:

1. Protective. When sweat is mixed with the secretion of the sebaceous glands, an invisible thin layer forms on the surface of the skin. It is a protective barrier and prevents the penetration of various pathogens through the skin.
2. Cleansing. With excess fluid, harmful toxins and unnecessary decay products are removed from the body.
3. Balancing. With the help of sweating, the water-salt balance in the body is normalized. As a result, the necessary concentration of mineral elements in the biological fluids of the body is maintained, which contributes to metabolic processes.

But if a cow sweats profusely in the morning, then this indicates that there are certain factors that upset this balance. The reason can be both internal and external.

Why does a cow sweat

Not always the cause of profuse sweating is a disease. Minor physiological and external factors can provoke a problem. Therefore, if the cow is constantly sweating in the morning, it is worth taking a closer look at what other changes have occurred in the behavior and condition of the animal.

Physiological causes

Most often, the reason that a cow sweats in the back in the morning is the banal overheating of the animal. The optimum temperature for keeping cattle is + 20- + 25 degrees. An increase in this indicator upwards leads to the fact that the animal is constantly thirsty, drinks heavily and, as a result, sweats excessively.

Stress from shuffling, transportation, and changes in housing conditions can also cause morning sweat.

Night guests can also cause fright in an animal. When placing a farm near a forest or meadow, ferrets or weasels often visit the barn. These small animals do not pose a danger to cattle, but they cause stress. They can run on the back of the cow, which causes some discomfort. The animal, trying to get rid of them, is in constant motion.

In addition, during the period of feeding offspring, forest animals are able to stick to the udder. This leads to exhaustion of the animal and significantly reduces milk yield. As a result of constant stress at night, the cow sweats profusely in the morning and looks frightened.

Pathological causes

The reason for the appearance of perspiration in cattle may be a disease. In this case, other clinical symptoms are also present. It is important here that the breeder be able to identify all changes in the behavior and condition of the cow, as this will allow the veterinarian to determine the type of disease and establish the correct diagnosis.

Possible pathological causes:

1. Cardiovascular diseases. With violations of this kind, the cow develops shortness of breath, swelling of the limbs and eyelids. Also confirmation is a failure of the heart rhythm, an increased concentration of lactic acid in the blood, a bluish tint of the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, the nose sweats in the cow.
2. Diseases of the urinary system. In this case, in addition to the fact that the cow sweats profusely, her appetite worsens, her limbs swell, a general depressed state is observed, and the animal behaves aggressively during urination.
3. Violation of the liver, biliary tract. You can identify a failure by the yellowish tint of the sclera and mucous membranes. And also the cow at the same time has a tired look, does not show interest in food and sweats profusely.
4. Parasite infestation. Infection of a cow with various protozoan microorganisms can provoke a deterioration in the condition. An additional symptom of infection is weight loss, lack of appetite, lethargy, drowsiness.
5. Respiratory diseases. The cause of profuse sweating can be pneumonia, tuberculosis. In this case, the animal abruptly loses weight, as well as coughing, rapid breathing and fever.
6. Traumatic reticulitis. During feeding, a foreign metal object may enter the cow’s alimentary tract. This injures the walls of the proventriculus and closely adjacent organs. In this case, the animal arches its back, mooing plaintively and trying to take a comfortable position in order to reduce discomfort. In addition, the withers of the cow sweat, the cattle refuse to eat, and when the skin is pulled back on the neck, it reacts painfully.
7. Acobaltosis. A lack of cobalt in the body can provoke excessive sweating in a cow. This is due to the fact that in some regions the soil does not contain this element, and as a result, it is also absent in the grass. Against this background, the animal develops anemia and general weakness is observed.
8. Food poisoning. The cause of the disease can be poor-quality feed, poisonous plants and uncontrolled eating of cake, pulp. In this case, the cow develops vomiting, diarrhea, and the functioning of the lungs and heart is also disturbed. This causes her to sweat profusely.
9. Skin diseases. In this case, temperature jumps are observed, wool falls out and sweat is plentiful.

Seasonal vitamin deficiency can also provoke a deterioration in the condition of the animal. This is caused by a lack of vitamins of groups B, A, D. You can suspect their lack by the following signs:

• profuse sweating in the morning;
• general weakness, as a result of which the animal constantly lies;
• decreased appetite followed by weight loss;
• hairless spots, weeping lesions.

What to do if the cow sweats a lot

In the case of physiological factors, it is necessary to adjust the conditions of the cow. To do this, equip the room with spacious stalls for the free movement of animals and ventilation, which will maintain the optimum temperature. It is also important to eliminate all cracks, crevices and holes through which rodents can enter.

If, in addition to the fact that the cow sweats in the morning, other pathological symptoms have been identified, it is necessary to immediately call a veterinarian. Only an experienced specialist will be able to examine the animal and establish the correct diagnosis. And in case of doubt, additional tests will be carried out.

After confirming the diagnosis, the veterinarian will prescribe the necessary course of treatment. All recommendations for admission and dosage must be strictly followed.

Preventive measures

In order not to face the problem of the fact that the cow sweats in the morning in the future, it is necessary to follow simple rules. In most cases, the cause of diseases is non-compliance with the general norms for keeping cattle.

Basic preventive measures:

• a balanced diet according to the season;
• regular check-ups by the veterinarian;
• properly equipped barn;
• disinfection of premises and inventory twice a month;
• timely implementation of antiparasitic procedures.

Conclusion

If the cow sweats in the morning, then this is a sign that not everything is in order with her health. But only an experienced specialist can establish the pathological cause of this condition, so you should not experiment and drag out time. Only adequate treatment will avoid serious problems and restore the health of the animal.