During heat stress periods, if cattle must be handled, do it in the morning prior to 8 a.m. if possible, and absolutely not after 10 a.m. unless shaded facilities are available. While it may seem to make sense to work cattle after sundown, wait until the cattle have had at least six hours of night cooling before working. Dissipation of body heat is needed at night and allows cattle to deal more effectively with heat stress the following day. Work with packers to schedule shipping cattle at night or at least early morning. Try to load early enough so that all cattle arrive at the packing plant before 7 a.m.
Most packers have sprinklers and can keep the cattle comfortable.
If cattle arrive with body temperature elevated above what would normally be expected, carcass defects, such as dark cutters, may result. Avoiding cattle bunching is equally important. Most cattle working facilities have very poor air movement causing cattle to gain body heat while they are in these areas. A 30-minute time limit minimizes heat gain and allows the body core temperature to return to normal quicker. Arrange to have shade or sprinklers in those areas.