Heat is hard on livestock, especially cattle. I spoke with Kelly Karolyn, seed stock manager with the Iowa Cattlemen's Association about that, on KWMT.
"Compared to other animals, cattle rely on respiration more than sweating to cool down. Wind and cool nights can help, but when temperatures are this high, producers must also consider other ways to keep their livestock comfortable,” she said.
ICA is encouraging cattle producers to take advice from Iowa State University’s Extension Beef Veterinarian, Dr. Grant Dewell. Dr. Dewell recommends these protective measures:
- Clean fresh water – consumption of water can double during heat events. Cattle need at least 2 gal./100 lbs/day during heat events. Additionally, make sure there is adequate room for cattle to drink and that supply lines can provide water fast enough.
- Shift to feeding a higher percentage of feed in the afternoon and consider lowering the energy content by 5%.
- Provide shade if possible. UV radiation is many times the critical factor for livestock losses due to heat stress.
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If necessary begin sprinkling cattle with water if signs of heat stress are evident.
