Protecting livestock from heat stress and heatstroke

The warm temperatures of summer are quickly approaching, putting livestock at greater risk for heatstroke and stress. It is not difficult to protect animals from these risks, but it does involve greater planning for anyone who owns or manages livestock.  

Heat stress is when the animal is exposed to high temperatures and cannot cool itself in a timely manner. This results in their body taking on extra heat, which creates extra stress for the animal and poses risks to its health. Heatstroke is an extreme condition where the animal’s body temperature has gotten so high that organs and muscles cannot work properly.

The visual differences between heat stress and heatstroke are important. Typically, an animal with heat stress will still stand and will still drink water. The animal will make efforts to cool itself such as finding shade, drinking water and panting. Poultry that are stressed from the heat will open their mouths and hold their wings away from their body. However, with heatstroke, an animal will be too weak to stand and will not drink water. Heatstroke also presents symptoms of loss of appetite and disorientation with livestock.

Typically, temperatures that are above 80 F and humidity above 50% are the greatest risk to livestock. On days warmer or more humid than that, livestock owners need to take greater care of animals to protect against heat stress or heatstroke. It is smart to offer more water than normal during these days.  

An animal will drink 30% more water when it is stressed from heat to try to cool itself down. Water should also be placed in the shade so that it can stay cooler and is less likely to evaporate. Livestock owners should place extra waterers in a pen so that dominant animals do not stop weaker animals from getting a drink.

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