How to Keep Livestock Cool in the Summer Heat
The heat of summer has already hit Tucson, and it’s only going to get hotter. The extreme heat we endure affects farm animals in the same ways that it affects us, putting them at risk of heat stress (especially young animals, animals with dark fur, and animals that have a history of respiratory illness). To safeguard the health of your livestock from the heat, you need to take a few precautions to keep your farm animals cool and hydrated throughout the summer. The following tips can help.
5 Tips to Help Livestock Beat the Summer Heat
1. Shade
When the sun shines directly on animals, they can overheat – or even sunburn – much more quickly. One of the most important things you can do to keep your livestock cool in the summer is to provide them with ample shade to protect them from the direct rays of the sun. This is especially important for animals with dark-colored coats or dark-colored skin underneath lighter-colored coats.
2. Cool, Fresh Water
In the dry heat, hydration is especially important for staving off dehydration and heat stress in animals. Place your water tanks in shady locations where the water will stay relatively cooler and where animals can be sheltered from the sun while drinking.
3. Move During Cooler Times of Day
If you need to graze, move, or transport animals during the summer, do so in the early morning or in the very late evening when the ground has cooled and when your animals will be protected from the extreme heat of the mid-morning and afternoon.
4. Airflow
When the air stagnates inside a stable or other enclosure, the body heat of animals builds up and it gets even hotter. Place fans and proper ventilation in your enclosures to ensure proper airflow.
5. Sprinklers or Misters
Adding sprinklers or misters to the fans in your stable will also help to keep your livestock cool.
Summer Farm Animal Care With Our Tucson Livestock Veterinarians
If you aren’t certain whether your property provides the proper shade, ventilation, or shelter from the sun for your farm animals or if you are concerned about the respiratory health of your livestock as the temperatures rise, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of Adobe Veterinary Center’s livestock veterinarians. We specialize in livestock care and can help you ensure the health and safety of your farm animals throughout even the hottest days of Tucson’s summer.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact us today.
