By Travis Meteer
Summer is heating up and so are the cattle! Heat stress is a reoccurring issue in the summertime. Black hided, sick, or heavy-weight cattle are most susceptible to heat stress. When it comes to heat stress, it’s important to know the warning signs and what can be done to prevent it.
Signs
Heat stress typically arises when temperatures start to exceed 80F and 90F degrees. When it hits 80F cattle are moderately at risk for heat stress, and 90F places them in the high-risk category. Unlike humans, cattle do not sweat efficiently, and their rumen is a heat magnet inside of them. Some of the common signs of heat stress are panting, open-mouthed breathing, and excessive slobbering. You might also see cattle grouping together and actively seeking shaded areas.
Source : illinois.edu