6 Best Livestock Cooling Mats For Hot Weather That Old Farmers Swear By
Prevent heat stress in your livestock with these 6 top cooling mats. We share the proven, durable picks that experienced farmers rely on for hot weather.
You can see the heat coming off the pasture in waves, and your animals are seeking any sliver of shade they can find. That heavy, still air of a summer afternoon is a sure sign that heat stress is a real danger. Providing relief isn’t just about comfort; it’s about protecting the health and productivity of your livestock.
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Why Cooling Mats Are Essential Farm Equipment
Heat stress isn’t a minor inconvenience for livestock; it’s a serious threat. It can reduce milk production in goats, slow weight gain in hogs, and lead to life-threatening conditions in nearly any animal. While fans and misters have their place, they often require electricity and a water source, which isn’t always practical in a barn or pasture setting.
This is where a good cooling mat becomes an indispensable tool. It provides a direct, passive cooling method that animals can use whenever they feel the need. There’s no complex setup or power required for most models. The animal simply lies down, and the mat draws heat away from its body.
Think of it as an investment in prevention. A single case of severe heatstroke can lead to expensive vet bills or the loss of an animal. A durable cooling mat, on the other hand, provides a simple, reliable solution year after year. It gives your animals the autonomy to regulate their own body temperature, which is a cornerstone of good animal husbandry.
K&H Cool Bed III: The Water-Filled Classic
The K&H Cool Bed is one of the oldest and most trusted designs for a reason: it’s incredibly simple and effective. You just fill its core with water, and the mat works to absorb and dissipate your animal’s body heat. There are no gels, no electricity, just the natural cooling properties of water.
The main advantage here is the consistent, gentle cooling effect. It doesn’t get icy cold, which can be a shock to an animal’s system. Instead, it maintains a temperature that is noticeably cooler than the ambient air, providing steady relief. The vinyl exterior is tough, but like any water-filled product, it’s not indestructible. A sharp hoof or a determined chewer could cause a leak.
Because it’s filled with water, the mat can be quite heavy and awkward to move, especially the larger sizes. This makes it a better fit for a permanent or semi-permanent location, like a favorite corner of a stall or a dedicated spot in a goat pen. Its simplicity is its greatest strength, but be prepared to place it and leave it for the season.
Arf Pets Cooling Mat for Goats and Sheep
Goats and sheep have specific needs. They can be rough on their bedding, with sharp hooves and a tendency to paw or "nest." The Arf Pets mat is built with a durable nylon fabric that holds up better to this kind of wear and tear than some of the simple vinyl options.
This mat uses a solid, non-toxic gel that activates upon pressure. It doesn’t require any filling or refrigeration, making it exceptionally easy to deploy. Just lay it down, and it’s ready to go. The gel recharges automatically after a short period of non-use, as the heat it has absorbed dissipates back into the air.
While tough, it’s not invincible. For particularly destructive animals, like a bored buck, you might consider placing it inside a shallow frame or under a thin layer of bedding to discourage chewing on the edges. It strikes a good balance between durability and convenience, making it a solid choice for small ruminants.
The Green Pet Shop Pad: Pressure-Activated
The Green Pet Shop’s cooling pad is another leader in the pressure-activated gel space. Its biggest selling point is convenience. You can pull it out of the box and have it working in a pen within minutes. This makes it perfect for hobby farmers who need a flexible solution they can move around the farm as needed.
The gel inside is designed to provide several hours of cooling before it needs to "recharge." This happens automatically when the animal gets up. For most animals that move around periodically, this is perfectly adequate. However, for an animal that is sick, recovering, or otherwise immobile, the cooling effect will eventually plateau until the pressure is removed.
This is a key tradeoff: you get ultimate portability and ease of use, but the cooling isn’t as continuous as a water-filled bed. It’s an excellent option for providing relief in kidding pens, doghouses that double as livestock shelters, or even in a crate for transport on a hot day. Just understand its operational cycle.
Stall-Cooler Pro: A Heavy-Duty Hog Solution
Pigs, with their thick layer of fat and inability to sweat effectively, are exceptionally prone to overheating. They also happen to be incredibly strong and destructive. A standard pet cooling mat simply won’t survive in a hog pen. The Stall-Cooler Pro is built to address this reality head-on.
These mats are constructed with heavy-gauge, puncture-resistant materials designed to withstand the weight and activity of a full-grown hog. The seams are reinforced, and the outer shell is often a thick, industrial-grade vinyl or canvas composite. The cooling mechanism is typically a high-density gel or a hybrid gel/foam that can support hundreds of pounds without failing.
This level of durability comes at a price, and these mats are a significant investment. They are also heavy and not designed for portability. But if you’re raising hogs, investing in a weak mat is a waste of money. You need something that can handle the abuse, and this type of heavy-duty solution is the only reliable choice.
FarmTek Gel Mat: A Portable Cooling Option
Sometimes you need a cooling solution that can go anywhere. The FarmTek Gel Mat is designed for this kind of versatility. It’s often lighter than the heavy-duty stall mats but more robust than a standard pet-store pad, hitting a sweet spot for the hobby farmer.
This mat is ideal for temporary setups. Think about using it in a farrowing crate for a sow, taking it to a 4-H show for your sheep, or putting it in a transport cage for rabbits. The gel is self-activating, and the cover is usually a durable, easy-to-clean nylon that can be wiped down between uses.
Because it prioritizes portability, it may not be the best choice for a permanent installation with a large, heavy animal like a hog. However, for goats, sheep, alpacas, or even calves, it provides a fantastic, flexible way to offer targeted cooling wherever it’s needed most on your property.
Choosing the Right Size Mat for Your Animals
Buying the wrong size mat is a common and costly mistake. A mat that’s too small won’t provide adequate cooling, as the animal can’t get the core of its body onto the surface. A mat that’s excessively large is a waste of money and space.
The best way to choose is to observe your animals. Measure them when they are lying down and fully stretched out. This gives you the true footprint you need to cover. Don’t just estimate based on their standing height.
Consider these points when deciding:
- Full Body vs. Partial Cooling: Does the animal need to fit its entire body on the mat, or is cooling its belly and torso sufficient? For extreme heat, full-body contact is best.
- Multiple Animals: If you have a pair of goats that like to lie together, a single larger mat might be a better investment than two small ones.
- Growth: If you’re buying for a young, growing animal like a piglet or lamb, consider its adult size to avoid having to buy a second mat later in the season.
Proper Mat Care for Year-After-Year Use
A good cooling mat isn’t cheap, but with proper care, it can last for many seasons. Neglect is the fastest way to ruin your investment. A few simple habits will dramatically extend the life of your mat.
First, keep it clean. Use a mild soap, water, and a soft brush to scrub away mud and manure. Harsh chemical cleaners can degrade the vinyl or nylon cover over time, making it brittle. Always rinse it thoroughly and allow it to air dry completely.
Storage is the other critical piece. Before putting it away for the winter, inspect it for any small punctures or tears and patch them with a vinyl repair kit. If you have a water-filled model, drain it completely to prevent water from freezing and splitting the seams. Store all mats flat in a cool, dry place where rodents can’t get to them. A little care in the fall ensures your mat is ready to go for the first heatwave of spring.
Ultimately, a cooling mat is more than just a piece of gear; it’s a fundamental tool for responsible animal care during hot weather. By choosing the right type and size for your specific livestock and maintaining it properly, you provide a safe and effective way for them to beat the heat. Being prepared before the temperature spikes is one of the smartest things you can do for the well-being of your farm.
