The summer heat is known to take a toll on cattle. So, wouldn’t it be a great idea to learn how to prevent heat stress? In this article, we will share our best tips and tricks.
Summer is just around the corner, and as farmers have done every year – they are planning on surviving it without all those hot spells making the cows miserable. There aren’t many summers where farmers don’t find at least a few prolonged periods of oppressive humidity and heat. This then causes the cattle’s milk production to drop by at least a gallon per day.
Heat stress is also known to decrease cow fertility, which in turn results in increased lactation lengths. Due to all of these outcomes, it is important for us to deal effectively with and learn how to prevent heat stress in dairy herds.
Avoiding heat stress in dairy farms might be quite difficult, but metabolic problems and a decrease in feed intake can be easily mitigated with some advanced planning. Heat stress can definitely be managed to minimize the negative impacts on the cows’ health and, ultimately, the production of milk.
3 Methods of Managing Heat Stress in Cows
1. Have Clean Water around All the Time
The University of Minnesota found that water is the best solution for controlling cow dehydration because it helps cool them internally. In this regard, they also determined that at least 25 gallons of water are necessary per day for each cow.
Washington State University, on the other hand, found that it is very important to provide cows with water right after milking. Cows will drink about 50% to 60% of their entire daily intake after they have been milked.
2. Provide Shade Outside
Researchers have determined that cows will be most comfortable in the temperature range of 40 to 50 degrees (F). They also found that they can manage to remain comfortable at 80 degrees (F) if the humidity stays low.
The University of Georgia determined that cooling/feeding barns should be made with free stalls. With the help of free stalls, you will be able to minimize the transfer of heat energy from the metal roofs onto the cows.
Super Duty Fans are proven to lower the temperature in the areas in which they are hung. They can be easily installed on the ceiling at various angles, which gives them a better position to cool a wider space with the specially designed shrouds. The largest 5XL fan cools up to ##### square feet by using 42,000 CFMs.
Another thing that farmers can pay attention to is to avoid overcrowding in pens. Overcrowding will most definitely minimize the airflow in the barn.
3. Perform All the Necessary Activities in the Morning
Activities such as dehorning, moving, and vaccinating, among others, should be performed in the morning. They should be done when the temperature is lower and before the sun is out completely.
The University of Minnesota has recommended that all farmers increase the care and management of their heifers and calves during all summer months. Changing the levels of humidity and temperature is naturally impossible, but with these heat management techniques, you can ensure your cattle remains comfortable during all those hot summer days.