We hope that these articles will be beneficial to you during this time. Hopefully, by the time you read this, our rainy season will have finally begun and you will not have to worry about this. Nonetheless, this series of articles should be a good reference to you and your operation to help you develop a drought management plan. When temperatures and humidity rise, it's important to keep a close eye on livestock. Temperatures in the high 80's and higher can cause serious problems.
Heat stress can cause general discomfort, decline in animal performance, and animal death.
During these times, provide adequate shade, if possible, and plenty of drinking water. Heat from the sun is a major culprit in over stressed animals. If animals need to be worked, do it as early or as late in the day as possible. Animals cool themselves primarily by panting and through water evaporation from the skin. Increased respiration during hot weather is especially important for pigs and other animals that do not sweat.