More than 2,000 cattle died in Kansas from heat stress triggered by extreme heat and humidity the weekend of June 11th. While unfortunate for producers, the event has sparked controversy and non-confirmed video coverage. Veterinarians are working diligently to put this event into its proper perspective.
Sometimes the conditions get so extreme, it doesn’t matter how hard producers prepare the environment, the operation, the animals . . .” – Nels Lindberg, DVM
We’re sharing media coverage about the event that is actionable, credible and informative to help animal health pros work with cattle producers to proactively mitigate heat stress for cattle and their employees. While not a new subject, it does require continuing education and reminders.
Sources:
- Rare heatwave hits southwest Kansas, contributes to high feeder cattle death losses, BEEF, June 16, 2022. Link. Video of large death losses in Kansas feed yards making the rounds on social media has been accompanied by some disturbing commentary.
There must be an accounting for every head that leaves the yard, whether on a truck to the processing plant or on the truck to the rendering plant. This is a business.”
- Heat, humidity kill at least 2,000 Kansas cattle, Reuters, June 15, 2022. Link.
- Veterinarians work to quash misinformation about SW Kansas cattle deaths, KWCH12, June 17, 2022. Link.
- Days of intense heat have killed thousands of Kansas cattle, NPR, June 16, 2022. Link.
- Did high heat and humidity really cause cattle deaths in Kansas? Drovers, June 16, 2022. Link.
. . . the scenario is like the impact of a natural disaster. While feedlots did everything possible to prepare and get cattle relief, the heat and humidity meant the cattle didn’t have a chance to cool down.” – Dan Thompson, DVM
Also see: Heat stress is challenging for beef and dairy cattle and what can be done.
- Plan, monitor and cool it, FEED-LOT, June 13, 2022. Link.
Heat stress is the largest impediment to efficient animal agriculture.” – Robert Rhoads Jr. PhD.
- How do we mitigate heat stress in feedlots? Farm Progress, June 20, 2022. Link.
- Keeping cows cool. Heat abatement on a budget, The Bullvine, Link.
- Seven practical heat stress abatement strategies, Michigan State University Extension, June 28, 2012. Link. While an older reference this supports current heat stress abatement strategies as a critical dairy management strategy for all dairy producers.
- Prepare for dairy cattle heat stress, AHD, May 7, 2022. Link.
Dairy cows are extremely sensitive to heat and begin experiencing heat stress at just 65°F to 68°F.”
INSIGHTS: Let’s choose to discuss preparation, avoidance and risk mitigation rather than fan the uninformed commentaries.