The scorching hot temperatures of summer have arrived. While it’s easy to crank up the A/C at home, it’s not so easy to keep cows cool and comfortable. Though dairy farmers have become much more efficient at mitigating heat stress, cows still need to be handled during the hottest days of the year. Thus, taking the time to conduct a quick refresher on animal handling during hot weather is a necessary practice for you and your team.
The Beef Quality Assurance guidelines suggest the following tips to help keep cattle cool and calm during the heat of the day.
- Extreme heat conditions exist when the temperature and humidity are at levels in which they create a heat index greater than or equal to 100ºF. Heat index levels of 100ºF or greater pose a significant health risk to stressed cattle. Avoid transporting cattle in extreme heat conditions.
- Avoid hauling and handling cattle between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm, which is most often the hottest time of the day. If cattle must be hauled at times of high temperature and humidity, avoid stopping. If stopping along the way is absolutely necessary. Make stop durations as short as possible.
- Stop during cooler parts of the day, if possible.
- Pick shaded areas to park if you have to stop.
3. Consider placing fewer cattle on the trailer during hot weather.
4. Handle cattle gently and patiently during extreme heat conditions. When cattle are stressed in extreme heat conditions, they are more likely to become non-ambulatory, sick, and possibly die.
- Haul animals fit to transport. Fitness for transport is determined by multiple considerations including the health, mobility, and body condition score (BCS) of the animal. Do not transfer cattle with BCS score of less than 2 non-ambulatory animals or those with severe mobility issues and animals appearing exhausted, dehydrated, or otherwise health impaired.
