If the MonDak experiences a summer as above normal in temperatures as we’ve enjoyed this winter, hot humid summer days will carry the potential to cause a lot of stress in animals. Heat stress affects performance levels and if left untreated, the stress can lead to death.
Carl Dahlen, NDSU Extension beef specialist, explains that heat stress is caused by an animal’s inability to keep its core body temperature at normal levels. “Animals have internal body temperatures, thermo neutral zones that they need to stay warm or cool,” Dahlen remarks.
“We’re all familiar with cold stress, when we shiver which is the body working to stay warm. In heat, animals sweat or pant and do things to stay cool and to keep the body at optimum temperature. It requires a lot of effort when the body is trying to maintain its core temperature, and after awhile it begins to take a toll on the body. Heat stress occurs when the animal can’t keep up with the cooling process any longer.”
Dahlen points out that heat bothers some animals more than others, and people need to keep these factors in mind when facing a heat stress situation. “Dark hided animals are more susceptible than light hided ones,” he says. “Also, the oldest animals and the youngest animals have the hardest time regulating body temperature, as do the market ready animals.”
He continues, “Market ready animals, often your most valuable ones, are the most likely to suffer from heat stress because they’ve got fat on their body, and fat is a great insulator. Fat is great in the winter, but in summer it keeps the animal insulated and the animal has a harder time getting rid of the excess heat.”
Dahlen encourages ranchers to identify times when heat stress may show up in animals. “Hot humid days are a problem, when by 9 a.m. the heat and humidity are already unbearable,” he remarks. These are the days that cause problems. Cows and calves can die as their bodies cannot keep up with the process of maintaining core body temperatures.”
Dahlen urges ranchers to practice proactive approaches to heat stress and to think about possible issues before the dog days of summer arrive. “Before it even happens, think about your set-up,” he comments. “Where are your most susceptible animals? If a heat stress event is forecast, you need to have a game plan already in place.”
Two major factors, water and shade, play a critical role in preventing heat stress. “Water is our salvation in dealing with heat stress,” Dahlen remarks. “Large amounts of available water is crucial. In a feedlot, you need additional waterers and on the range you need a large watering hole.”
He adds, “Shade is second in importance. Animals need shade as well as a lot of available water. Shaded coulees or other shade areas are important. Make sure your most susceptible animals have plenty of water and shade until the heat event passes.”
Dahlen offers a few other tips to deal with heat stress events. “Sometimes we are caught unawares and we notice heat stress in our animals,” he remarks. “Last year the heat caught us during breeding season, and it was not a good situation.”
He continues, “If animals must be worked, do it early in the morning before daylight, or after the heat of the day. Gather cattle while it is still dark. You also should change feeding times from morning to afternoon or evening, as the process of digesting food raises body temperature. Also, something as simple as bedding with straw for those animals that are confined can make a difference. Putting out straw bedding, which is light, can reflect heat and can change the ground temperature and cool it off as much as 10º.”
Ranchers need to remain vigilant all summer long about the possibility of heat stress in their animals. “Typically we know the heat is coming if we pay attention to weather forecasts,” Dahlen concludes. “Be careful and think things out. Paying attention can go a long way in preparing for a heat stress event. Err on the side of caution.”
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