Signs and Solutions for Heat Stress in Cattle
Are you worried about the heat eating your profits this summer? Heat stress can take both energy and earnings out of a cattle operation as it can lead to reduced conception rates, milk production, food intake, and more. Here we look at the signs, symptoms and solutions for heat stress so your herd can stay stress-free during these record-breaking temperatures.
Signs of Heat Stress
Cattle experience heat stress when both high temperatures and high humidity rates prevent their bodies from sufficiently cooling. But these highs aren’t as high as you might think. Mild heat stress actually starts around 72°F with 50% humidity. That temp drops to 65°F for high-producing animals that intake more feed and naturally generate more of their own heat.What are the symptoms of heat stress?
- Increased breathing/panting
- Sweating
- Drooling or foaming
- Restlessness
- Searching for shade
How Heat Affects Animals
When animals are affected by heat stress, they lose water and nutrients needed for regular functioning. In fact, U.S. dairy cow seasonal conception rates drop between 10-20% (with greater drops in Florida, Arizona and similar climates). Late-gestation cows carry for shorter periods of time and their calves weigh less at birth. Heifer calves born to a heat-stressed cow produce less milk in their first 30 lactation weeks. Producers with beef cattle may notice heat stress implications around the breeding season, too. The heat can impact semen quality and ultimately lower the conception rates 30 days post stress. You may also see death of a fetus in the weeks following conception. In other words, heat stress can affect cattle of all breeds and ages, and it also affects your bottom line.Preventing Heat Stress
When you know the heat is on its way, take steps to prevent the stress it causes for cattle. Consider:- Providing lots of shade and extra, clean drinking water.
- Ventilating indoor spaces with fans to increase airflow and help with cooling.
- Fighting flies with multiple control methods.
- A rotation of feeding times to give animals extra space.
- Handling animals in the early, cooler hours if necessary.
Electrolytes Help Beat Heat Stress
Administering electrolytes can also help prevent a full stress event if the animal shows symptoms. Check out a few popular electrolyte products to see what makes sense for your animals.- Bovine BlueLite 2Bw from TechMix is a buffered electrolyte for both beef and dairy cattle that helps maintain milk production, among other things.
- Bovine BlueLite is another supplement from TechMix but this one's available in capsules, pellets and powder.
- Diaque Nutritional Supplement for Livestock from Boehringer Ingelheim contains a patented, non-water absorbing fiber for flexibility in the timing of feeding. Diaque is good for calves and other species.
- Vitamins & Electrolytes Concentrate for Livestock and Horses from Durvet includes a water-soluble premix of vitamins and electrolytes. Just one packet makes 110 gallons when it’s mixed with drinking water.
