I

HEAT STRESS INDEX FOR COWS

Cow factors Actual temperature Ventilation

••• .�
Relative humidity (size, milk production, etc.) and humidity and airflow

�am■mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm■
Pr Pr tj�
�
■■■
20 ■■■■
(_�� ■■■
�
22

24
NO STRESS
HOW DO COWS RESPOND TO HEAT STRESS? MILK PRODUCTION? WHAT ABOUT REPRODUCTION?
26 MILD • Seek shade and cool areas • Can drop 10% - 25% or more due to: • Decreased:
28 STRESS • Reduce activity - More energy used on maintenance - Oestrus intensity and length
� • Increase water intake (if available) - Less energy for productive functions - Fertility rate
30 • Reduce feed intake (>25.5 ° C) - Lower dry matter intake - Ovarian follicle growth

' 32
HEAi • Increase body temperature (39 ° C) -Alterations in nutrient use • Increased early embryonic death
• • Increase respiration rates (>70/m)
STRESS • Hormonal changes
34
• Decrease immune function
36 1111"""" • Decrease in rumen fermentation efficiency
SEVERE

....
38
Watch for Reduce time Don't lock-up
Provide shade Clean water tanks Ensure access to feed

D
40 inconsistent manure in holding pens during midday
I-
I- ++== ..
:z:: ==
rr, +
0.
42
LLI
�
.■

•, ...
44
LLI Feed during cooler hours Use sprinklers and fans
Livestock Conservation Institute (Whittier, 1993, Armstrong, 1994) c::c
:z::
■
c::c • ••
'\,=.I

® ®
OPTIGEN YEA-SACC
®
• Improve rumen function,
increase digestion rate
• Improved digestion= increased energy
Improves digestion in the rumen thus
increasing intakes= more milk production
• Prevents rumen acidosis
J\.fltech
• Maintains rumen pH which can fluctuate
in heat stress conditions
Alltech.com 11 Alltech