Tools for minimizing heat stress
What happens to a cow when there is a rise in air temperature and humidity? Negative outcomes increase. Using a temperature-humidity index (THI) can help you identify the different levels of heat stress and how different ranges can negatively affect cow performance. See the chart that helps you pinpoint when to begin adjusting management and…
An easier summer for you and your cows
Investing in nutrition and management during heat stress can provide a high return on investment. Cows of all stages of production can benefit from being managed and fed to reduce the impact of THI. Read more about the benefits of meeting your herd’s extra needs during hot weather, plus check out the informative Stress Threshold…
Dry cows need love too – tips for helping them.
Heat-stressed dry cows will produce less milk, but there are ways to help them. It’s estimated that heat-stressed dry cows account for $810 million in milk loss annually in the United States (J. Dairy Sci. 99:9931-9941). Conversely, taking steps to cool dry cows was shown to add to farm profits. How does heat stress during the…
Another reason to mitigate heat stress: effects on bovine mammary gland function
Heat stress lowers milk production by 25 to 40%. The economic losses it creates are well-documented. Are you familiar with the many ways in which heat stress causes harm? Research shows that during the dry period, heat stress can harm mammary growth and reduce milk yield in the following lactation. Evidence also suggests heat stress…
Solve late-gestation heat stress that harms cows and their future calves
Active cooling of cows during the dry period relative to heat stress isn’t just good practice for lactating cows. Keeping cows cool during this time confers vital advantages to their calves. Read the research in the Journal of Dairy Science about the effects of late-gestation heat stress has on the immunity and performance of calves….
A measurement of the effect heat stress has on cow metabolism and performance
This study from the Department of Animal Sciences, University of Arizona quantified heat stress and its influence on dairy cow metabolism and performance. It identified the temperature humidity index (THI) for lactating dairy cows producing more than 77 pounds (35 kg) of milk per day. THI represents the combined effects of air temperature and humidity…
Effect of protected B vitamins on transition cows on health, milk production and reproductive performance during heat stress
If cows can beat the heat in Mexico, yours can too. The owner of a 1,200-cow commercial herd in the Querétaro region of Mexico who was feeding a protected B vitamin blend with good success wanted to determine if a higher feeding rate would benefit his transition cows during hot weather. A study proved the…
