Preventing and treating heat stress in beef cattle

From semen quality to conception rates, prolonged heat stress can take an incredible toll on cattle, and acute heat stress can even be life-threatening.

“These several days in a row is really what adds to the heat stress,” says Dr. Roy Lewis, semi-retired veterinarian and regular contributor to various ag publications. “Long-term affects can add into things like production — so they’re not growing and doing as well — and also reproduction is the other thing we worry about this time of year. This can really affect fertility.”

Lewis says to watch for animals who are showing signs of respiratory distress, such an open mouth, extended neck, heavy breathing, and salivation. And if you see one like this, ensure you’re diligently checking the herd.

“If there’s one on the edge of hyperventilating, there’s probably several others that are close.”

Prevention is key

While we are a few days into the heat wave already, it may not be too late to prevent prolonged heat stress conditions, or conditions further exasperated by high nighttime temperatures.

• Provide ample shade, whether through treed cover, porosity fences, open sheds, or awnings.
• Ensure animals have continual access to quality water.
• Avoid moving or working animals in high heat situations.
• Consider offering mist areas.
• If you’re worried, move animals slowly, and/or during cooler morning or evening temperatures.

And most importantly, check water sources regularly (even twice a day), and monitor animals for signs and symptoms of heat stress.

“One day could be just disastrous in this kind of heat.”

For more tips on managing animals in high heat, read the Beef Cattle Research Council’s The Heat Is On.

Make sure you know the signs of heat stress in cattle. #ABAg https://t.co/Mf6kG011MK

— Alberta Beef (@albertabeef) June 28, 2021

Dust:
Natural Resources Conservation Board fact sheet on Dust Control
Government of Alberta’s Managing Feedlot Pen Dust