Heat Stress Management in Dairy Cows: Key Strategies for Farmers
• As temperatures rise, managing heat stress in dairy cows becomes increasingly important for farmers, particularly in regions like southern Wisconsin.
• The temperature-humidity index (THI) is a critical measure used to assess heat stress levels in dairy cattle.
• Historical data indicates that southern Wisconsin typically experiences 25 days of severe heat stress (THI > 79) and 5.6 days of very severe heat stress (THI > 84) annually.
Why It's Important?
The article provides strategies to mitigate heat stress, including optimizing ventilation with fans, providing shade, ensuring cool water access, and adjusting feeding schedules to cooler times.
Related News