As a beef producer, you can't control the heat. But you can consider these tips to help cattle stay comfortable during times of potential heat stress.

While our unseasonably warm spring has been enjoyable and offered excellent ground conditions for the beginning of the season ...

Proactive management of livestock prior to and during heat events is critical in protecting livestock from heat stress.

Heat stress in cows occurs when ambient temperature and humidity go above animal specific thresholds. These thresholds are estimated by the temperature humidity index (THI).

High-yielding cows start experiencing heat stress when the THI rises above 68 (when ambient temperatures are 22C with 60% humidity). But the impact on fertility starts at lower levels.

Heat-stressed cows may reduce their dry matter intake by up to 30%, leading to lower milk production " he says. "This tool is also interactive, featuring a THI calculator where farmers can input their ...