How heat stress affects cows
To cope with heat, cows eat less, pant and drool, and stand for longer. Lower intake means lower milk yield, and prolonged heat stress can reduce fertility and increase the risk of other health problems.
Recognising the signs
Watch for faster breathing or open-mouth panting, drooling, crowding around shade and water, reduced cud-chewing and intake, and a drop in milk. Signs depend on both temperature and humidity, not temperature alone.
Reducing heat load
Shade, good ventilation and fans, easy access to clean cool water, cooling at the right times and adjusted feeding schedules all help. Supporting recovery after periods of heat stress is best done under veterinary guidance.
