Heat Stress in Cattle costs real money
Cattle rid their bodies of heat in three ways – radiation, convection, and evaporation.
“If your cattle can’t use all three methods, they’ll overheat fast,” says Eric Bailey, University of Missouri Extension state beef nutrition specialist.
Summer heat knocks weight off calves and pounds off milk, Bailey says. Losses come in the form of less gain, weaker fertility and other health issues.
“If your cattle are on toxic tall fescue and they are crowding together to dodge flies, the deck is stacked against them”“Heat stress costs real money,” he says.
Producers can reduce heat stress by providing adequate shade, proper fly control, access to water and the right choice of pasture grass.
Tall Fescue Pastures Turn Up the Heat
Cattle grazing on tall fescue grass when temperatures rise is a recipe for disaster.
Toxic endophytes in fescue can turn up the cattle’s body heat. Their efforts to keep cool can melt profits. But there are practical fixes that keep weight and profits steady, Bailey says.
Our August 2025 Issue
In our August issue 2025 issue, Walmart’s first beef packing plant, access to the Australian market, a new Temple Grandin documentary film, Advancing food safety, CFA and NCIAF sign MOU, Canadian Meat Advocacy in Beijing, Record high ground beef prices, Canada’s farming future, and much more!