(LAGRANGE) - Livestock owners are being reminded to watch for heat stress as high temperatures and humidity continue.
Jeff Burbrink, Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources with Purdue Extension LaGrange County, says heat stress can affect both pasture and feedlot animals, especially when hot temperatures combine with high humidity, little wind and warm nights.
Warm nights can make it harder for animals to cool down, and several warm nights in a row can add stress day after day.
Cattle
Cattle with a history of illness, especially pneumonia, are more vulnerable to heat stress. Heavy feedlot cattle, young calves and older animals also face greater risk.
Lighter-colored cattle generally tolerate heat better than darker-colored animals.
Burbrink says producers should provide shade, plenty of clean water and good barn ventilation. Water needs increase sharply during hot weather, making tank capacity and refill rates especially important.
If cattle need to be worked, handling should be scheduled for early morning. Producers should avoid working cattle during the afternoon and evening.
Fly control can also help. Biting flies agitate animals and cause them to move around, which generates more internal heat. Animals may also bunch together to avoid flies, but crowding makes it harder for them to cool off.
Horses
Horse owners should provide constant access to fresh, clean water and shade.
Riding or strenuous exercise should be avoided during the hottest part of the day. Work should be scheduled for early morning or late evening, and horses should be allowed to cool down gradually after exercise.
Signs of heat stress in horses can include excessive sweating, lack of sweating, rapid breathing, elevated heart rate and lethargy.
Horses showing signs of heat stress should be moved to shade, cooled with water and evaluated by a veterinarian if they do not improve quickly.
Sheep And Goats
Sheep and goats also need shade and cool, clean water.
Sheep are generally more heat tolerant than cattle, but young animals can be especially vulnerable to extreme heat.
Freshly shorn sheep are usually better able to release body heat during the summer, but they still need protection from long exposure to high temperatures.
Burbrink says sheep should not be handled or transported during the hottest part of the day. Owners should monitor animals for rapid breathing, weakness or reluctance to move.
People Need Protection, Too!
Burbrink also reminds people to take care of themselves, their families and friends during hot weather.
Hot days, warm nights and humidity affect people, too. Cooling down, drinking plenty of water and adjusting work schedules are advised for people as well as animals.