NUMBER 06/01 31 July 2006

Managing Stock Heat Stress to Minimise Losses

There is much English beef and sheep producers can do to minimise the livestock performance losses and welfare problems if the current heat wave continues, advises the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX).

In hot conditions, continual panting in sheep and fast breathing and drooling in cattle strongly suggest animals are suffering from heat stress, especially if they are relatively inactive. If nothing is done to relieve the situation and their body temperature remains high there is a real danger these stock could collapse and die.

Regardless of clear symptoms, heat stress is almost certainly compromising cattle and sheep performance and productivity under the continuing heat wave. In particular, feed intakes and growth rates, ovulation and conception rates, and bull and ram fertility are all likely to be adversely affected.

While some reductions in performance and productivity are unavoidable, EBLEX has issued the following topical guidance to help producers minimise the effects of heat stress:

• Provide grazing stock with access to fields that have sufficient shade in the form of hedges or trees while being alert for fly problems. Or if necessary consider housing stock;
• Move, gather, handle or transport animals only in the cooler conditions of the early morning or late evening wherever possible;
• Give special attention to young calves and lambs which are markedly more susceptible to heat stress than older animals;
• Consider providing extra forage to stock during the cooler times of the day to help compensate for reduced feeding activity in the heat of the day;
• Ensure all water troughs are working effectively, provide extra trough space if necessary, and shade troughs where possible so all animals have sufficient access to cool, fresh water at all times;
• Ensure cattle buildings are adequately ventilated and increase space allowances by reducing stocking densities if possible;
• Consider wetting the heads and backs of housed cattle if their breathing rate exceeds 100 breaths per minute, always avoiding cold water (less than 250C) applications to the head and high pressure hoses;
• Only consider housing sheep if the buildings are well-ventilated, providing at least 1m2 of floor space per ewe and 0.6-0.7m2 per 25-35kg lamb; and,
• Maintain particularly good drainage and ventilation in areas of accommodation prone to wetting to avoid the additional heat stress caused by even higher humidity.

Given the speed with which problems can so easily escalate when animals are heat-stressed, check housed and grazing livestock regularly and thoroughly for signs of heat stress and any other health or welfare problems while the heat wave lasts.

These comments are quotes from MLC Beef & Sheep Scientist, Liz Genever, who can be contacted on 01908 844243. Alternatively, ring your EBLEX Regional Manager or the Press Office on 01908 844166. Information is also available at www.eblex.org.uk.

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