Thursday, 19 May 2022 12:55

Nutritional strategies can help mitigate heat stress

Written by  Chris Balemi
Heat stress in cows occurs when they are producing more heat than they are able to get rid of through sweating, respiration, or air regulation. Heat stress in cows occurs when they are producing more heat than they are able to get rid of through sweating, respiration, or air regulation.

Heat stress in dairy cattle is probably the most overlooked seasonal problem here in New Zealand.

Production drops rapidly as the heat increases, and most farmers simply accept this as a normal seasonal issue that they are powerless to address.

The truth is, there are a number of nutritional strategies that can be used in order to mitigate the effects of heat stress.

It is a well-known fact that cows generate heat in order to create the energy to produce milk, and during the summer this will be out in the paddock in the heat of the sun. Heat stress in cows occurs when they are producing more heat than they are able to get rid of through sweating, respiration, or air regulation.

An overabundance of heat in cows can lead to higher levels of stress, which will affect milk production, fertility, as well as increase the risk of other diseases such as lameness, and can also impair immune function.

Untreated heat stress can be fatal, which is why it’s vital to understand the signs of heat stress, and the best ways in which to prevent it. Watch for changes in behaviour, such as seeking shade, panting, drooling, and standing in water or next to troughs, as signs that your cows may be experiencing heat stress.

When cows are suffering heat stress, feed intake is reduced. This will be accompanied by increased panting and drooling culminating in less saliva reaching the rumen, this decreases rumination by disrupting rumen pH. A healthy rumen is needed for milk yield as well as animal health.

It is therefore important that ruminant animals during periods of high humidity are provided with sufficient nutrients in order to counteract heat stress and maintain strong immunity.

By providing your herd with an easily digestible, nutrient-packed animal tonic that can be blended easily into their feed or added into their water, you ensure that they have the correct balance in place to mitigate the effects of this summer heat stress.

Chris Balemi is managing director, Agvance Nutrition Ltd

More like this

Better animal genetic gain system

A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.

Protecting native birds from avian influenza

With the global spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) making headlines around the world, the Department of Conservation (DoC) is taking steps to secure the safety of several endangered bird species that call New Zealand home.

Featured

Boost for hort exports

The horticulture sector is a big winner from recent free trade deals sealed with the Gulf states, says Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.

Better animal genetic gain system

A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.

SIDE 2025's new schedule, venue

Annual farmer gathering, the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE), is set to make history as it heads to Timaru for the first time.

Taranaki piggery goes solar

Installing 400 solar panels at their Taranaki piggery and cropping operation will have significant environmental, financial and animal welfare benefits for the Stanley family.

National

OSPRI's costly software upgrade

Animal disease management agency OSPRI has announced sweeping governance changes as it seeks to recover from the expensive failure of…

Machinery & Products

BA Pumps expand

Cambridge based BA Pumps & Sprayers, specialists in New Zealand-made spraying equipment, has acquired Tokoroa Engineering’s product range, including the…

Entries open for innovation award

Fieldays and its renowned Innovation Awards are celebrating their 57th year, marking a longstanding tradition in the agricultural calendar, with…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Chinese strategy

OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.

Not fair

OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter