When temperature rises, cows will start to experience heat stress. This will cause a lost in appetite and a drop in milk production. Here are some tips to help cool the cows:

1) Drinking water

• It is crucial that the cows have sufficient fresh water available all day.

• There should also be 3 inches per cow in the pen of space along water trough to help decrease competition among the cows.

2) Shade

• Research has shown that cows under shade has a 10 - 20% increase in milk production as compared to those without shade.

• For high producing cows, shade is crucial.

• However, do not neglect heifers and dry cows or sick cows as well. Ensure they have shade when needed.

3) Fans

• Fans are useful tool to help remove heat.

• Choose fans that are abut 36 - 48 inches wide and place them 8 feet off the ground, 20 feet apart.

• Ensure that fans are spread evenly across the barn to help create good airflow in all areas.

4) Sprinklers

• Sprinklers combine with fans will provide the best heat removal in most commercial barns by using evaporation to help cool the cows.

• A good sequence is to have sprinklers on for about 3 minutes for the cows to soak the water.

• After that, allow the fan ample of time to evaporate and cool the animals.

• Sprinklers should not be close to the bed as it will increase moisture which will cause mastitis.

5) Misters

• Farmers are also advised to use misters when possible.

• Misters can be attached to fan over the beds to provide evaporative cooling of air in the barn.

• Misters are designed in such a way that they evaporate before settling on the beds.

• These systems work best in low humidity and high airflow environments. It should not be used in high humidity or closed environment.