Managing Heat Stress Episodes in Confined Cattle

Kevin F Sullivan; Terry L Mader

doi:10.1016/j.cvfa.2018.05.001

Managing Heat Stress Episodes in Confined Cattle

Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2018 Jul;34(2):325-339. doi: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2018.05.001.

Authors

Kevin F Sullivan¹, Terry L Mader²

Affiliations

¹ Bell Veterinary Services, 49-53 Dennis Street, Queensland 4408, Australia. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Mader Consulting LLC, 9301 Valaretta Drive, Gretna, NE 68028, USA.

PMID: 29935720
DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2018.05.001

Abstract

Feedlot cattle consuming large amounts of feed and gaining weight rapidly generate significant amounts of metabolic heat. In summer, failure to dissipate this heat leads to heat accumulation and heat stress. Respiratory rates, panting scores, and behavioral changes are useful indicators of heat stress in cattle. Ceasing cattle movement, providing supplementary water tanks in the pens, cooling the pen surface, and manipulation of nutrition and feeding management should be considered to mitigate the risk and manage a heat stress crisis. Removing manure from the pens and provisions of shade has been found to be beneficial for cattle exposed to hot climates.

Keywords: Animal welfare; Cattle management; Environmental conditions; Heat stress; Shade.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Cattle
Cattle Diseases / diagnosis*
Cattle Diseases / etiology
Cattle Diseases / prevention & control
Cattle Diseases / therapy*
Heat Stress Disorders / diagnosis
Heat Stress Disorders / therapy
Heat Stress Disorders / veterinary*
Hot Temperature
Seasons
Water Supply