High Heat Prompts Livestock Safeguards Across Kentucky

By Jordan Strickler

An unseasonably intense heat dome has settled over Kentucky, sending afternoon highs into the mid-90s and pushing the livestock heat-stress index into dangerous — and at times emergency — levels.  

Specialists go by what is called the “livestock heat stress index” to determine the level of concern farmers and pet owners should have for their animals. When the index reaches danger and emergency levels in the spring and summer, University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment experts urge people to take certain precautions to ensure the safety and health of their animals.  

The livestock heat-stress index blends air temperature and humidity to gauge how hard animals must work to shed body heat. Readings in the danger range reduce feed intake and fertility; emergency readings can cause respiratory distress or death.