Winter in South Texas is a unique experience. Temperatures typically start dropping in November (especially at night). December and January are usually our coldest months with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. 

While we don’t face the same harsh conditions as our friends up north, we still need to make sure our Brahman cattle are ready for when the temperature drops. Brahman are known for their ability to withstand warm weather – it’s in their DNA! But when it comes to colder weather, even these hardy Brahmans need a little extra care.

At V8 Ranch, preparing our Brahman cattle for winter is a top priority. Here are some of the biggest questions we get asked about readying our Brahman bulls and Brahman cows for winter.

WHAT TEMPERATES CAN BRAHMAN CATTLE LIVE IN?

Although Brahman cattle are renowned for their heat tolerance, they can also adapt remarkably well to colder climates, provided they have time to acclimate before winter. During colder months, Brahmans develop a dense, fur-like undercoat that offers insulation and helps retain body heat. They can also contract their skin, which increases the thickness of their hide and the density of their hair, further enhancing their cold-weather resilience.

While Brahmans may prefer warmer weather, they are capable of performing in freezing conditions. For example, Brahman cattle in South Africa’s Mpumalanga highveld have thrived despite winter temperatures dropping to 10.4°F (-12°C). Similarly, studies from the University of Missouri found that Brahman and European cattle thrive equally well in temperatures as low as 8°F. 

That said, if you live in colder regions, pure Brahmans may not be the ideal choice for year-round cattle management. Crossbreeding Brahmans with hardier breeds such as Angus or Hereford, which are well-adapted to chillier environments, can provide an excellent solution. The offspring inherit the heat tolerance of Brahmans alongside the cold resilience of these other breeds, making them versatile and adaptable for a range of climates.

Brahman cattle are exceptionally well-suited to the hot and humid climates of the southeastern United States and Gulf Coast regions. 

The best US states for Brahman cattle include:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Texas

That said, if you don’t live in one of these states and want to have Brahman cattle, the main requirement is to have a barn or some sort of other enclosed area for the animals in the winter months.

The best countries for Brahman cattle are those that are warm and/or humid. 

Some of our biggest international clients hail from:

• Australia
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Colombia
• India
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Paraguay
• South Africa
• Thailand
• United States

This, of course, isn’t a comprehensive list of where you’ll find V8 cattle. Our brand is on six of the seven continents (we’re comin’ for you, Antarctica!), and we’ve had recent inquiries for cold weather areas, including Alaska and Canada!

WHAT DO BRAHMAN CATTLE EAT IN WINTER?

One of the biggest challenges in winter is the change in available forage. The lush, nutrient-rich grasses our Brahman graze on for most of the year (we use Augustine grass) begin to die off as the weather turns chilly. To combat this, we plan ahead by planting hardier, cold-tolerant grass varieties like oats and ryegrass. These “cool-season” pastures provide essential nutrients and help maintain the herd’s health during the winter months.

In addition to cold-weather grasses, we also transition to hay as a primary feed source. High-quality hay helps supplement the reduced availability of fresh forage and keeps our cattle well-nourished. 

Pro Tip: start stockpiling hay well before winter hits to ensure you have an adequate supply. We cut our own hay, which usually begins as soon as the grass starts growing in the spring.

For first-calf heifers (for the layman, that means “new moms”) and pasture cows, we provide a liquid feed, which offers us a guaranteed gain instead of just hoping we the weather cooperates and the oats grow so the animals have something to eat besides hay.

WHERE DO BRAHMAN CATTLE SLEEP IN WINTER?

While Brahman cattle are well-adapted to handle various weather conditions (as mentioned, they can withstand below-freezing temperatures), providing shelter during the coldest days and nights is essential. At V8 Ranch, we make sure our calving barns are ready with heaters to keep newborn calves warm and cozy. And we’ve been known to put the newborns into the truck with us to take full advantage of that heater! For younger calves, we add extra hay for bedding, giving them a comfortable place to rest. Even our older cattle appreciate a dry, sheltered spot to escape the elements.

WHAT PREP DO YOU DO FOR BRAHMAN CATTLE BEFORE WINTER?

One important task we aim to tackle in winter is cattle branding because it’s much more pleasant for both the cattle and the cowboys to do this when it’s not miserably hot outside like it is during the summer and even autumn!

It’s the same reason we like to collect Brahman bull semen in the winter. The bulls tend to do better when it’s cooler out – and it leads to better semen quality (that Texas heat can have a negative effect if we aren’t careful!)

WHAT DO BRAHMAN CATTLE RANCH STAFF WEAR DURING WINTER?

It’s not just the cattle that need to be ready for winter – ranchers and staff need to prepare, too! At V8 Ranch, we make sure everyone has the right gear to stay warm and comfortable while working in cold conditions. Insulated mugs (like our branded V8 drinkware) are a must-have for keeping coffee piping hot during long days on the ranch.

Warm, durable clothing is also essential. From insulated jackets and long-sleeve tees to warm headgear (like our V8 microfleece headband), having the right layers can make all the difference when the temperature drops.

We also have some crucial winter hardware and tools we rely on (which you can find on our Amazon store here)

Hay Knife

Our Brahman looooovvvveeeee to eat. During winter, we feed them hay since they can’t graze through the pastures, as all the summer grass is gone. That’s why we always make sure to have several high-quality hay knives on hand. They make short work of the haybales (even frozen ones!) and allow us to get feed to our cattle quickly.

Faucet Covers

Another way we protect against freezing weather ruining our operation in winter is by using these heavy-duty outdoor faucet covers. Unlike other faucet covers that can still lead to freezing, these faucet covers prevent freezing from ever happening in the first place by using a patented design that minimizes water waste while keeping our outdoor plumbing free and clear during cold snaps.

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