Thermal comfort

Thermal Comfort

All classes of dairy cattle are sensitive to heat and are motivated to seek shade in warm conditions. Cattle will choose to seek shade over other important behaviors, such as rest, and prefer shade that provides more protection from solar radiation. Heat stress can reduce lying behavior, milk production, and fertility. Calves born to heat-stressed cows tend to weigh less at birth, have compromised immune function, have lower reproductive efficiency, and produce less milk. Calves are unable to compensate for extreme weather conditions, including cold, and have increased mortality and morbidity if protection is not provided.

Which animals to assess:

Every pen or group will be evaluated for shade provision and additional protection from severe weather as part of the "METAL" criteria.

Make note of any animals showing signs of thermal stress as part of the "Everywhere" criteria.

How to assess:

All ages of cattle should be provided protection from inclement hot and cold weather. All pens must provide access to shelter/shade. This can include permanent shade structures, patches of trees, or temporary cloth. Groves or clusters of trees may be considered shade/shelter when not barren. Rows of trees may be considered a wind break, but not shade. A single tree is not sufficient.

Additional thermal protection can include overhead fans, deep bedding, heat, calf jackets, or increase in calories fed.

Note if any pen, including the milking parlor, or group of animals show signs of heat stress (respiration rate > 80/min, panting, salivating) or cold stress (shivering).