This summer, preparation will be key in protecting ruminant livestock from heat stress.
North Dakota State University Extension livestock specialists encourage livestock owners to monitor weather forecasts and anticipate when conditions may pose a significant risk to livestock. Such conditions occur when above-average temperatures meet increased humidity. These conditions are expected to occur starting around the Fourth of July weekend.
A temperature-humidity index chart can help ranchers identify when livestock are most at risk for developing heat stress. Livestock begin to experience moderate heat stress at a temperature humidity index of 82 to 83, severe heat stress at 84 to 86 and extreme heat stress at 87 or greater. A temperature-humidity index chart can be found at ndsu.ag/heat-stress-26.
A Cattle Comfort Index forecast map is also available from the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN) at https://ndawn.info/agriculture_cci.html. Producers can use this map to help determine whether they are in a heat stress risk area.
Source : ndsu.edu