Heat Stress

NWMO · #1 07/19/06, 10:22 PM

What signs should you be looking for in heat stressed cows? We have had several high 90-100 degree days......the cows have been staying in the shade during the heat of the day....however, one will be calving in 2-3 weeks, so am watching her closely....just curious if there are certain heat / stress symptoms to be watching for? (weather is to break by Friday, so hopefully cooler weather on the way soon!)

idontno · #2 07/20/06, 01:55 AM

Relax Dad....Everything will be ok...........idontno

agmantoo · #3 07/20/06, 06:50 AM

Your main concern will be that the cow has enough instinct to keep her calf in the shade. That is all you need to be aware of regarding the heat.

Slev · #4 07/20/06, 07:20 AM

We only have one little Dexter an an Arabian horse here on our sheep farm, but I took to haltering them and hose them off once a day around noon to three. Sometimes the cow likes to play "catch me if you can" but I always do, then she really likes the water.

(on a real cattle farm, maybe hook a sprinkler up to a hose for about 30 minutes?)

Old John · #5 07/20/06, 08:33 AM

Are the Galloway & Highland Cattle, with their heavier hair-coats,
affected more than other Cattle, by these 90 and 100 degree Temperatures?

Does the Heavier coat help them withstand the Heat easier?
Or, do they get more Heat Stress?

Thanks...............

Hammer4 · #6 07/20/06, 09:57 AM

I make sure they have plenty of water and have access to some shade trees. Animals ( or people ) that are out in the heat 24x7 adjust to it and tolerate it much better than when you constantly are going from an air conditioned car/house/office out into the heat.

Watch for animals that are panting or showing other signs of stress, or not eating, or not wanting to get up and move around. If you see abnormal behavior that's when you need to get concerned. We have Dexters at our place, I have had them calve in the heat of July/August in Missouri with no problems at all...mother nature is a pretty tough lady.

You can't really put a sprinkler out for large herds of cattle, it would make a huge mess and the cattle would demolish the sprinkler and probably play with the hose until you had wasted a lot of water and made a muddy swamp.