Cows & Heat

Heat exchange in cows

Heat is transferred between the cow and the environment by radiation, conduction, convention and evaporation processes. The direction of the transfer or heat exchange depends on the temperature difference between the cow and the surrounding environment. When the air temperature is higher than the cow's temperature, heat flows into the cow - heat is absorbed. When the air temperature is lower than the cow's temperature, heat flows from the cow - the cow off-loads heat and cools down. The greater the temperature difference, the faster the flow of heat.

The cycle of gaining and off-loading heat is continuous and involves the processes of radiatio, conduction, convention and evaporation.