Extended hot temperatures are felt not only by us, but of course livestock too. When you think of the heat, most focus solely on the peak temperature for the day, but producers look at other factors too when it comes to heat stress.

One of those other factors livestock producers must consider is how much cooling is happening at night. This is important because when livestock are unable to have a time period where their bodies are able to cool this only exacerbates the impacts of the dangerous heat.

While many types of livestock can experience heat stress, heat waves in recent years have resulted in some instances of significant cattle loss. Researchers have found that once temperatures top 80 degrees stress can begin in cattle. At that point, moderate stress is expected. When temperatures climb above 90 degrees, then high risk for heat stress can be anticipated. Additional heat stress can happen when overnight temperatures don’t drop below 70 degrees. Another factor that contributes to heat stress is when the warm days stretch over longer periods of time. Humidity is of course another element that can add up when heat stress is occurring in cattle.

Certain cattle are more susceptible to heat stress too. Cattle with dark colored hides, heavy cattle and those with weakened immune systems can be especially impacted by heat stress. 

While heat stress is never completely avoidable, there are some ways to help lessen the stress. This includes timing handling of livestock to earlier in the day and feeding most feed after peak heating. Longer term solutions include allowing plenty of airflow, shade and sprinklers that can help lessen the impact of heat stress on cattle.