There are various ways to cool the cow especially when the ambient temperature rises and the cow becomes more reliant on evaporation cooling methods like sweating and panting. High temperature results in low Dry Matter Intake (DMI) & low milk yield. You can manage such hot and humid conditions by modifying surrounding shades, barns with passive ventilation and addition of fans with sprinklers normally seen in the Middle East countries, reducing body heat loss, lowers body temperature, and helps in more dry matter intake. The energy and nutritional needs of the cow changes during heat stress and ration formulations to be changed in order to overcome decreased dry matter intake. Better plan the diet to be more with nutrient density. Avoid nutrient excesses for the maintenance of normal rumen function.
The signs of heat stress in lactating cows are very clear, with reduced production and drowsy behavior in cows. The signs of heat stress may occur when the temperature is between 80 to 90 degree Fahrenheit. Cows may end up showing faster breathing, sweating and an approximate fall in production by ten percent and less feed intake. Cows end up showing signs of heat stress like open mouth breathing and tongue hanging out. High milk producing cows exhibit more signs of heat stress compared to low producing cows because high producing cows generate more heat. The extra heat generated by metabolizing nutrients in the feed has to be eliminated by high milk producing cows. The milk yield reduces due to the poor feed intake by cows. Cattle unlike human beings are more susceptible to heat stress. They sweat at about 10% of the human rate. So cows need mechanical means to reduce heat, such as sprinklers and air movement systems to help them remain cool, rapid movement of air in any confined area. When heat stress is there, feed intake reduces by 10 to 15%.
The farmers must be able to maintain intake and reduce the negative effect of heat stress on production. Feed is recommended to be given more number of times instead of two or three times. Increasing feeding times, enables one to feed less at one time avoiding spoilage of the feed in the manger. It also avoids flies around the feed, which also reduces insects in the farm. Providing water in front of the cows always is another point to be considered. The solution could be by installing water bowl in front of the cows.
Keep all 4 sides open in normal conditions. Fans or sprinklers may be installed where cows are housed. Split roofing ideal.
