Search

Hot weather causes heat stress in dairy cattle. The resultant decrease in milk production and reproductive efficiency ca be offset by implementation of a program consisting of cooling through shades, ventilation , evaporative coolers and spray and fans. Corral shade would be consistent to be essential to reduce stress. Feed line shade will improve dry matter intake and milk production. Holding pen cooling with spray and fans is cost effective, even in moderate climate. Shade cooling using evaporative or spray and fans is cost effective, if milk price is competitive to world price. The economic benefit should be determined before installation of equipment to reduce hear stress.