By Blake Jackson
An unusually intense heat dome has taken hold in Kentucky, driving temperatures into the mid-90s and elevating the livestock heat-stress index into dangerous even emergency territory.
These extreme conditions are raising concern among experts at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, who are urging animal owners to take necessary precautions.
The livestock heat-stress index is a tool that combines temperature and humidity to determine how hard animals must work to stay cool. When levels enter the danger zone, it can impact feed intake and fertility.
Emergency levels can lead to respiratory distress or even death. The most critical time for animals is from late morning to early evening, when heat and humidity are at their peak.
Farmers can monitor current conditions and receive alerts through the UK Agricultural Weather Center at http://weather.uky.edu.
Cattle: Provide Shade, Water, and Plan Feeding Times
Cattle are poor at cooling themselves since they sweat very little, making shade essential. “A common mistake that is made with shade is not providing enough shade per animal,” said Katie VanValin, assistant professor in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences. She noted that beef cows need about 30-40 square feet of shade, while calves need 15-20.
Permanent roofs or shade cloth placed 4 to 8 feet off the ground help with airflow. Clean, plentiful water is also critical, especially for lactating cows, which may consume over 30 gallons daily. “Research shows that cattle drink less when water is dirty,” VanValin said. She added that ponds should be protected from wading and contamination.
Mineral supplements near water help replace nutrients lost through sweating and urination. Also, feeding cattle in the late afternoon can shift the internal heat load to cooler evening hours. Any stressful activity should wrap up by mid-morning.
Horses: Ensure Hydration, Airflow, and Salt Access
Horses face similar risks in extreme heat. “Consider the heat index when managing your horses,” said Bob Coleman, equine extension specialist. Horses sweat heavily, and their need for salt increases during hot spells. He recommends working horses during early morning and using water evaporation to cool them: “Hosing them off and leaving the water on the horse to evaporate is a good plan.”
Barns should allow cross-breezes, and outdoor horses need tree cover or run-in shelters.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-imaginegolf
Categories: Kentucky, Livestock