Heat stress in beef cattle

Temperatures are scorching and beef producers need to be aware of the heat stress their cattle are under. Compared to other animals, cattle cannot dissipate their heat load very effectively. Cattle do not do a very good job of sweating and rely on respiration to cool themselves. When it’s extremely hot, cattle accumulate a heat load during the day and dissipate heat at night when cooler temperatures set in. Cattle under severe heat stress will not perform well, being more susceptible to sickness, decreased appetite and milk production, reduced conception rates and in some situations death.

Here are some tips to manage heat stress in your herd.

• Make sure cattle have plenty of cool, fresh water. Cattle prefer water between 45 degrees and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with consumption drastically decreasing as water temperature exceeds 80 degrees.
• Cattle must have shaded areas they can access to reduce heat loads. Shade is critical for dark pigmented, fleshy, young and older cattle.
• Avoid handling, transporting or processing cattle if possible. If cattle must be handled, work them early in the morning using low-stress handling techniques.
• Cull unruly or high-headed brood cows. They generally are the first to show signs of heat stress, especially if having to pen or work them in hot weather.
• Heat production from feed intake peaks 4-6 hours after feeding. If you are feeding cattle, consider feeding late in the evening.
• Control flies on cattle. Biting flies cause cattle to bunch up which decreases cooling.
• Try not to wean calves in hot weather. This will add more stress to the cow, not to mention the calf!
• Remove bulls from herd after spring breeding season. This will prevent bulls from running open cows and building more heat stress. Also, it’s a recommended practice.
• Watch cattle closely with past health problems.
• If cattle are confined, make sure the structure is well ventilated.

For further information on beef production, call UT Extension White County at (931) 836-3348.