With scorching temperatures posing a challenge for feedlot cattle, a comprehensive approach to water access becomes vital. While shades have revolutionized heat management, additional strategies can be employed to keep cattle cool and optimize weight gain during the hottest days of summer.
Prioritizing cattle near the end of their feeding period is crucial when implementing heat abatement measures. Ensuring extra space for water access, particularly for cattle approaching harvest, is essential. The focus lies not on water supply but on water access itself. Cattle exhibit behavior changes to cool off, with dominant cattle spending more time at the water tank than necessary, indulging in playful interactions or seeking relief in cooler microclimates.
Careful intake management may require bunk readers to refrain from calling for additional feed, allowing cattle to self-regulate consumption. Nutritionists may consider transitioning to "cooler" diets, incorporating higher roughage content. Strategic use of bedding can also minimize heat absorption from the pen surface, providing a more comfortable environment for the cattle.
In emergency scenarios, the introduction of watering trough slip-ins offers a practical solution. By converting capped, cutting 20-foot culvert pipe sections into two identical troughs, feedlot operators can significantly increase watering spaces and supplement tanks with approximately 130 gallons of water per section. Maintaining these slips filled reduces the strain on watering tanks during hot and stagnant periods.
By adopting these innovative approaches, feedlot operators can maximize water access for their cattle, ensuring their well-being and promoting optimal growth even amidst sweltering conditions. Prioritizing hydration and employing creative solutions unleash the power of water to keep feedlot cattle comfortable and thriving in hot weather.
Source : wisconsinagconnection