Cattle Concentrate: Definition and Benefits of Fattening and Dairy Concentrates
Cattle concentrate is a supplementary and nutritious feed that is added to the feed ration of livestock and poultry to
Managing livestock to prevent heat stress during hot seasons is a crucial and inevitable task that requires proper planning and implementation. According to a study published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal, heat stress-related deaths are significantly higher in tropical regions compared to temperate ones. Therefore, paying attention to weather forecasts and developing a comprehensive plan to ensure animal welfare, including providing shade and adequate water on hot days, is essential.
Heat stress in livestock occurs when the ambient temperature exceeds the animal’s ability to regulate its internal body temperature. This phenomenon occurs in both industrial and traditional livestock farming systems and can have numerous negative consequences. At temperatures above the animal’s body temperature, heat stress can have detrimental effects on weight gain, milk production, fertility, welfare, and overall farm productivity.
The responsibility for animal welfare and protection from heat stress lies with farm owners and workers. This care includes planning and implementing measures such as:
By implementing simple preventive measures, heat stress in livestock can be minimized, and its detrimental effects on animal health, production, and farm productivity can be prevented.
Scorching heat can be extremely dangerous to the health and well-being of cows. Heat stress in cows occurs when the ambient temperature exceeds the animal’s ability to regulate its internal body temperature, and it can have numerous negative consequences. Awareness of the signs of heat stress in cows can help you take timely action and prevent more serious problems. Here are some of the signs of heat stress in cows:
According to the USDA Agricultural Research Service, the following are the signs of heat stress:
Signs of heat stress in cattle can worsen quickly. Observing any of these signs indicates the need for immediate action to cool and hydrate the cattle. In advanced stages of heat stress, the animal may require immediate veterinary attention.
Extreme heat can be very detrimental to the health and production of livestock. Heat stress in livestock occurs when the ambient temperature exceeds the animal’s ability to regulate its internal body temperature, and it can have numerous negative consequences. By implementing appropriate preventive measures, you can prevent heat stress from occurring in your livestock and jeopardizing their health and production. Here are some simple tips to keep your livestock cool. With these methods, you can be sure that your cattle are comfortable:
During the hot summer months, providing sufficient, cool, and clean water for livestock plays a crucial role in preventing heat stress and maintaining their health and productivity. Heat stress can have detrimental effects on weight gain, milk production, fertility, and the overall well-being of cattle. By carefully planning and implementing preventive measures, you can avoid problems caused by water scarcity during hot seasons. Key points for providing adequate water for livestock in hot seasons include:
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Providing shade during hot days is crucial for the health and well-being of livestock. These shelters are especially important for very young, old, weak, and sick animals. The best type of shelter is a structure that protects animals from intense heat and sunburn from sunlight. They also have a cooling effect due to air circulation. Types of shelters for livestock include:
To answer the question of what is the best type of shelter for livestock, the answer is:
The best type of shelter is a structure that protects animals from sunlight and intense heat. They also have a cooling effect due to air circulation.
When choosing a suitable shelter for your livestock, consider the following factors:
The summer season can pose significant challenges to the health and well-being of livestock. By implementing appropriate measures, these issues and potential threats to animal health and productivity can be prevented. Here are essential considerations for caring for livestock during hot summer days:
By adhering to these guidelines and closely monitoring animal health, livestock producers can effectively manage the challenges of hot weather and maintain the well-being and productivity of their animals.
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Transporting livestock during hot days requires careful planning and execution to prevent heat stress and associated issues. Weather conditions should be anticipated, and if transport is essential, a well-structured travel plan must be in place. When transporting cattle during warm seasons, adhere to the following guidelines:
Heat stress poses a significant challenge to the health and well-being of livestock during hot seasons. Understanding the factors that increase the risk of heat stress in animals can help implement necessary preventive measures to protect them. Livestock more susceptible to heat stress include:
Heat stress tolerance can also vary between species, for instance:
Therefore, the type of housing and its conditions in industrial livestock production are crucial for achieving the highest production rates. By understanding these factors and implementing appropriate management practices, livestock producers can effectively mitigate the risks associated with heat stress and safeguard the health and productivity of their animals.
Cattle experience heat stress at lower temperatures compared to humans. To maintain their ideal body temperature, they rely on various mechanisms such as sweating, rapid breathing, and seeking shade. Cattle prefer temperatures below 20°C (68°F), although the breed also plays a role in this tolerance. Cattle’s heat tolerance is largely dependent on their breed. For instance, Holstein herds experience a decline in reproduction when temperatures exceed 21°C (70°F), while Jersey cows can tolerate up to 25°C (77°F). Holsteins also have lower heat tolerance compared to Jersey cows. British breeds of sheep and cattle have lower tolerance than Merino or tropical beef breeds. Additionally,lighter cattle are more prone to heat stress than heavier ones. Other factors that influence heat stress in cattle include:
It is important to note that cattle can adapt to warmer temperatures if the transition is gradual. During periods of increasing heat stress, it’s essential to closely monitor cattle to determine if additional strategies are necessary to mitigate the effects. As heat stress intensifies, cattle may exhibit various signs.
The first sign of heat stress in cattle is an increased respiratory rate. To assess heat stress in a herd, it is ideal to randomly select ten cows on a hot summer afternoon. Random selection typically involves choosing black cows with high milk production or fatter cows. These animals are more prone to heat stress due to their increased heat absorption. To check the respiration rate of the animals, follow these steps:
After performing these steps, it is crucial to interpret the cow’s respiration rate. Remember that if the respiration rate in 10 seconds is less than 7, the conditions are favorable. However, for values equal to or greater than 10, the conditions are dangerous and unfavorable.Additionally, the cow’s respiration rate per minute is as follows:
Like all living organisms, cattle have an ideal temperature range where they feel comfortable and their immune systems and organs function properly. This ideal temperature range for cattle is between 4°C (39°F) and 20°C (68°F). Here are the reasons why cattle get hot quickly:
In response, the cow’s body employs mechanisms to reduce body temperature:
The summer season can pose a significant challenge to the health, productivity, and fertility of dairy cows. Heat stress, also known as thermal stress, occurs when the ambient temperature exceeds the cow’s ability to regulate its internal body temperature. To effectively prevent heat stress in dairy cows, implementing the following strategies is crucial:
Failure to adequately address heat stress in dairy cows can lead to detrimental consequences, including:
By implementing effective heat stress prevention strategies and monitoring for signs of heat stress, dairy producers can safeguard the health, productivity, and reproductive efficiency of their cows, ensuring optimal performance throughout the year.
Heat stress poses a significant concern for beef producers, particularly during the sweltering summer months. While the consequences of heat stress in beef cattle may not be immediately apparent, they can have far-reaching effects on their health, weight gain, and overall productivity. It is crucial to maintain an ideal body condition score (BCS) for beef cattle, typically between 5 and 6. The detrimental effects of heat stress on beef cattle include:
Sunlight, particularly in the shorter wavelengths, can significantly elevate a cow’s body temperature. This is particularly hazardous for dark-coated cattle that absorb more heat. Additionally, beef cattle with heavier weights face a greater challenge from heat stress. The reasons why heavier cattle are more susceptible to heat include:
References:
extension.usu.edu
canr.msu.edu
www.dairynz.co.nz
thelancet.com
agriculture.vic.gov.au
This article was prepared through the efforts of Homa BahramParvar and the content production team at Jahan Kaveh Ofogh Khazar, a producer of various livestock and poultry feeds. It is hoped that this article can be of some assistance, however small, to the livestock and poultry farming industry.
Cattle concentrate is a supplementary and nutritious feed that is added to the feed ration of livestock and poultry to
we will explore the key and essential factors of winter livestock feeding and diet, and provide comprehensive guidance for livestock