06/20/2025
Hot weather ahead 🥵
Midwestern cattle adapted to withstand cold winter temperatures are prone to heat in the summer. Add humidity and 75+ degree nights, and livestock are at risk. Cattle that have not shed their winter coat, are heavier, dark-hided, and/or have poor immune systems are especially vulnerable. Here’s what producers should keep in mind:
Water💧
Dehydration is the biggest threat. In general, summer water requirements are about twice winter needs, and heat events will elevate requirements more. Plus, cattle will consume water quickly. Ensure tanks have an adequate flow and consider adding extra tanks to reduce crowding. A flow of at least 1.5 gallons of water per hour per animal is recommended to meet drinking demand.
Handling ⚠️
Avoid processing or transporting cattle during heat events. If it cannot be rescheduled, plan handling for early morning. A steer’s core temperature peaks approximately two hours after the peak environmental temperature, taking longer to dissipate heat, meaning evening handling does not provide the same advantage as morning handling. Provide ample space and offer airflow, shade, and water in holding areas. Work efficiently with low stress handling practices and in small groups to reduce the time cattle are in holding areas to less than 30 minutes.
Mitigation strategies 🪰
Planning ahead and providing areas to reprieve livestock from heat is key. Decrease stocking rates if possible, to increase room for cattle to move and dissipate heat more effectively. When utilizing shade, provide at least 25 square feet per head, whether temporary or permanent. Utilize fans and vents in barns to facilitate airflow. Sprinkler systems can help, but need to wet cattle thoroughly with large water droplets and allow complete drying between cycles. Don’t forget - the water supply must support both drinking and cooling demands. Controlling fly populations is also beneficial, as biting flies will make cattle bunch up, reducing cooling.
Check cattle early and often. Expect feed intake to be impacted first by animals experiencing heat stress. Watch for excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or any other signs that an animal is struggling more than others, and work on cooling them down. Early action is the best strategy to prevent serious issues.