There are only 13 days until summer. But, even now cattle heat stress is a major consideration for dairy and beef producers. It can negatively affect milk production and overall herd health. Once cattle start to pant, some heat stress has occurred.
Understanding heat stress, preparing for it and looking at options to alleviate it will help keep production steady as summer progresses.”
Sources:
- Heat stress reminders: Warm weather is here, Dairy Business, June 6, 2023. Link.
- Feeding practices to cool hot cows, Progressive Dairy, May 19, 2023. Link.
- Strategies to overcome heat stress, Progressive Dairy, May 16, 2023. Link.
Also see: Helping cattle stand the heat, AHD, June 30, 2020. Link. Combinations of hot temperatures, high humidity and lack of air movement can result in heat stress for cattle. When temperatures remain above 70°F during the night, cattle are unable to recover before the next episode of heat exposure.