Maintaining Livestock's Health In The Heat

For those of us lamenting, "where did summer go" mother nature is about to send a reminder that's still here. Temperatures in the 80's are about to turn into the 90's this Sunday and will continue with humidity into next week. Cornell Cooperative Extension has some tips on keeping the livestock cool.

Even animals in the pasture are at risk when the humidity levels and temperatures starting creeping into the 90's.

Providing access to clean and abundant water sources, particularly for pastured animals, is priority one during periods of heat stress. Be sure to make time to monitor your stock tanks for algae growth and build-up of debris.

While algae is certainly not appealing to the eye, some strains can be toxic to livestock. Be sure and monitor ponds or streams if they are used as a water source.

If you are raising calves in hutches, be sure they have extra water and check to make sure vents are left open.