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Heat Stress is a “Profit Robber” for Dairymen

Heat Stress is a “Profit Robber” for Dairymen
It is not a question of “if” we will have days in Northwest Iowa that cause heat stress in milking herds, but rather, how many days we will have. Heat stress decreases feed intake and milk production, decreases milk components including fat, lowers breeding efficiency and compromises the immune system plus the heat and humidity is a near perfect environment for mastitis pathogens to thrive.
 
Cows experience heat stress when the temperature/humidity index (THI) is above 72. The heat generated by a cow under those conditions cannot be dissipated without help.
 
Cows let us know their status if we pay attention. Mild to moderate heat stress signs include rapid shallow breathing, sweating and a decrease in milk production and feed intake. As the stress level increases, cows will begin panting and a 25 percent decrease in milk yields and feed intake can happen.
 
In the Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach Fact Sheet “Reducing Heat Stress on Cows” author, Larry Tranel notes that cows generate heat to digest feed; and therefore eat less feed during periods of heat stress. Cows eat better at night and need a higher ratio of grain to forage dry matter. This change is helpful because the cow’s maintenance increases as she uses more energy to cool herself and eats less feed. Forages produce more body heat than grain when digested. Cows should eat at least 1-1.5 pounds of forage equivalent for each 100 pounds of body weight daily to minimize rumen acidosis or inverted fat protein tests.
 
Feed line soakers are an efficient way to help cows dissipate heat by the cooling effect of evaporation. With fans running continuously, wetting the hair coat for 2-3 minutes every half hour will supply the coat with 2.4 quarts of water for evaporation every hour. In addition, the sprinklers encourage cows to come to the bunk and eat. Fine misters should be avoided as they actually create a water barrier around the cow’s hide and hold in the heat. Concerning sprinkler heads, broken, worn or badly adjusted heads can waste a lot of water.
 
California research in 2016 showed no milk yield difference using a third of a gallon per minute verses soaking at 1.3 gallon per minute. With a soaking protocol of three minutes and then nine minutes off for cows at the feedline, water use was lowered by 73 percent.
 
Drinking water deters heat stress by cooling the animal internally and suppling water for evaporation. Plus, heat stress can double water requirements. Cows drink about half of their total daily intake immediately after milking, so providing adequate water as they exit the parlor is critical. We all like cool, clean water, so cleaning water tanks frequently and keeping them shaded will encourage drinking.
 
Tranel noted that circulating fans are not needed in wind tunnel systems as they only circulate the moisture laden air within the barn. Ventilation fans, on the other hand, exchange the inside air for outside air thus removing the air generated as cows dissipate heat. Also, circulation fans or stir fans are much less efficient in moving air per watt than ventilating fans.
 
Cows standing in the holding pen are especially vulnerable so it should be a priority when considering ways to minimize heat stress. Using both properly angled fans and sprinklers are effective and will aide in cow comfort between milkings. However, adding water into a poorly ventilated holding pen will make it more humid and hot.
 

Trending Video

Secure Pork Supply Plan | Preparing for the Future | U.S. Pork Producers

Video: Secure Pork Supply Plan | Preparing for the Future | U.S. Pork Producers

Join Jill Brokaw, a third-generation pig farmer and staff member of the National Pork Board, as she dives into the vital role of the Secure Pork Supply (SPS) Plan in preparing the U.S. pork industry for potential foreign animal disease outbreaks. This video is an essential watch for pork producers who are looking to safeguard their operations against the threats of diseases like foot and mouth disease, classical swine fever, and African swine fever.

Why Should Pork Producers Care? An outbreak of foreign animal diseases in the U.S. could lead to severe restrictions and potentially result in industry-wide financial losses estimated between $15 to $100 billion. The SPS Plan is a collective effort to prevent such catastrophic outcomes by enhancing biosecurity, ensuring animal traceability, and promoting effective disease monitoring.

What You'll Learn:

The Importance of Preparedness: Understand why being proactive is crucial for maintaining business continuity during an outbreak. Enhanced Biosecurity Measures: Write a site-specific biosecurity plan that can serve as the first line of defense against potential outbreaks. Animal Disease Traceability: Learn about the significance of tracking animal movement and how acquiring a premises identification number (PIN) and using AgView can facilitate this process. Disease Monitoring: Find out how continuous observation and reporting can keep your herd healthy and disease-free.

Getting Started with SPS: The video breaks down the seemingly daunting task of preparing for a foreign animal disease outbreak into manageable steps. With free resources available at www.securepork.org, including templates and instructions, Jill guides producers on developing a customized plan to enhance their farm's defenses.

Expert Insights: Hear from Dr. Pam Zaabel on collaborating with your herd veterinarian to develop and implement your SPS plan effectively.

Takeaway: The Secure Pork Supply initiative is more than a plan; it's a commitment to the resilience of our food supply and the livelihoods within the pork industry. By embracing these proactive measures, we can collectively enhance our preparedness for foreign animal disease outbreaks.