Dairy Cattle Four ways to reduce heat stress and maintain production and fertility in dairy cattle. These losses are apparent in the decreased amount of milk shipped, increased days open, and decreased breedings per conception. Some heat stress is unavoidable, but effects can be minimized if certain management practices are followed.
Humidity also plays a significant part in heat stress.
There are three temperature-humidity ranges of concern. Some type of cooling should be started. Since cattle sweat at only 10 percent of the human rate, they are more susceptible to heat stress. This is the reason dairy cattle need mechanical means to reduce heat, such as body sprinkling to aid in evaporation and effective air movement systems to aid in cooling. Stale, stagnant air can reach dangerous or lethal areas in a short time.