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Heat Stress in Cattle
Symptoms: The first sign of heat stress is increased breathing followed by panting and slobbering. As heat stress worsens, cattle will lose coordination and begin to tremble. If cattle go down, they are unlikely to recover.
Effects: Besides actually losing cattle, there are many other negative effects that heat stress can have on your herd. For heifers and cows in breeding season heat stress can result in losses in the first few weeks after conception. For bulls in breeding season the high temperatures can impact semen quality for two to four weeks later. Heat stress can also reduce feed intake and weight gains in cattle.
Prevention: Make sure that cattle have access to cool, clean drinking water. A jump in the outside temperature of just 10-15 degrees can increase total water requirements by 2.5 times. Providing shade either through trees or access to open buildings also helps prevent and reduce heat stress. In the hot summer months be sure to work cattle early in the morning for their safety and yours as well.
Prepared by: Michelle Bufkin, Alabama Beef Extension Intern, and Kim Mullenix, Ph.D., Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Auburn University
