Extreme Heat Reducing Milk Production in North America
By Jean-Paul McDonald, Farms.com
Dairy farmers know that when the temperature goes up, milk production tends goes down. The reduction of milk output is not just related to the temperatures that cow’s experience, but also the quality and quantity of forages used for feed. As extreme temperatures scorch the continent, pasture lands and grazing forages have suffered greatly, causing more dairy farmers to purchase feeds.
Although there isn’t a whole lot that farmers can do about the weather, they can take some extra precautions to ensure that their cattle stay healthy and happy during the hottest year in over a half a century. Cow comfort is an important issue that needs to be addressed when the weather is less than kind; and keeping your cows comfortable will help to maintain optimal milk production levels.
Here are a few tips that help keep the milk flowing on my farm:
• Keep barn doors open and utilize ventilation systems
• Use misting fans to keep the cows cool (investigate water restrictions in the area)
• Use fans to keep air circulating in the barn
• Provide comfortable bedding and shade
• Modify diet to replenish lost electrolytes and maintain feed intake
• Always have ample water available for the herd at all times
• If cows are in pasture, centralize the water supply for quick and easy water access
Some of the symptoms of heat stress include reduced feed intake and consequently, reduced milk production. Cattle can become listless and less mobile in extreme heat, so it’s important to recognize these symptoms quickly and take the appropriate measures for cooling the animals. Temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit with elevated humidity levels of 50% can be lethal for dairy cows, so watch closely for signs of heat stress in your herd.