K-State expert discusses the importance of monitoring livestock for signs of heat stress

It’s county fair season in Kansas, and while local events are a great way to enjoy the sun and time with friends, heat can be an invisible fun bandit for livestock.

Kansas State University beef extension veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff said it’s important for youth showing livestock to watch animals closely and know the symptoms of heat stress.

All animals – as well as people -- can experience heat stress, which occurs when the body cannot get rid of excessive heat, either through sweating or other means.

Tarpoff said cattle handle heat differently than other animals. In particular, they struggle with the ability to sweat, which makes them reliant on getting rid of heat through their respiratory system, such as breathing the heat out. To preserve energy, they usually dissipate the heat during the night when it's cooler.

SUNUP attends the ExpOSUre - Livestock Docs event at the Oklahoma State Fair, a hands-on, interactive educational workshop for young people in elementary through high school interested in future careers in veterinary medicine.