Watch for signs of heat stress in livestock

August 4, 2024 28

With plenty of summer left to go, livestock producers are reminded to monitor animals and implement management practices to reduce the risk of heat stress.

“We’ve had a couple spells of some high heat and high humidity and it doesn’t take very many of those days to cause some stress on the livestock,” Dan Shike, interim head of the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois told FarmWeek.

Heat stress is more common during periods of high nighttime temperatures.

“When we’re not getting the nighttime cooling, that’s when those animals really start to have some challenges because they’re not able to get rid of that excess heat load and dissipate that heat through the night,” Shike said.

Common signs of heat stress to look for are panting, increased water intake, and decreased feed intake. Low milk production in dairy cows could also be a symptom.

Shike said ensuring access to plenty of fresh water is key, for cattle especially.

“That’s one of their primary ways of dealing with the excess heat load and their water consumption will go up dramatically during times of heat stress,” he noted.

Providing enough shade for livestock in pastures is also helpful as long as it does not restrict airflow.

“If we’re talking about putting out shade structures, we need to think about do we have the right amount?” he said. “If there’s not enough space, the animals will crowd, then that’s actually counterproductive because when they’re all right next to each other, they’re not going to be able to dissipate as much heat.”

For livestock housed in buildings, like many swine and dairy farms, Shike said exposure to direct sunlight isn’t a concern, but ventilation is important.

“Air flow ventilation, fans, misters and sprinklers are all tools that are used.”

With county fair and exhibition season in full swing, Shike said there are extra things for showmen to consider.

“Be mindful of when you transport those animals and try to transport them in the early morning or evening hours to avoid the high heat as some of those trailers can get pretty hot.”

He said exhibitors can keep livestock cool at fairs by using fans and misters, offering fresh water, and taking frequent trips to the wash rack.

“You do have to be careful if you have an animal that’s absolutely in heat stress because if you put a bunch of cold water on their back you can shock their system,” he said. “So, the best thing is to give them a drink, maybe start with a little water on their legs and belly and gradually cool them down.”

If an exhibition animal gets overheated in the staging area or show ring, a rag with cool water around their neck can provide some relief, Shike added.