{"id":19074,"date":"2026-04-21T13:43:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T13:43:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/herdwatch.com\/en-uk\/?p=19074"},"modified":"2026-05-25T08:26:50","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T08:26:50","slug":"heat-stress-in-cattle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/herdwatch.com\/en-uk\/blog\/heat-stress-in-cattle\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prevent Heat Stress in Cattle"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Farmer Guide<\/div>\n\n

Heat stress in livestock: protecting dairy cows during hot weather<\/h1>\n\n

\n Heat stress is a major challenge for livestock during the summer months, especially in dairy cows.\n High temperatures, humidity, and poor airflow can affect health, fertility, and milk production, making early action essential for maintaining herd performance and welfare.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n Dairy health<\/span>\n Heat stress management<\/span>\n Milk performance<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\n 1<\/span>\n Heat stress can reduce milk yield and fertility<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 2<\/span>\n High temperature and humidity increase risk<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 3<\/span>\n Early signs help farmers act before serious losses occur<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 4<\/span>\n Practical management can help protect herd health<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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Why heat stress matters<\/h2>\n\n

\n Heat stress in livestock, particularly in dairy cows, is a major concern during warm weather.\n Rising ambient temperatures, high humidity, and poor airflow can push cattle beyond their thermoneutral zone,\n affecting health, productivity, and welfare.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n Understanding the risks, recognising symptoms early, and taking practical steps to reduce heat load\n can make a big difference to herd performance and farm profitability.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n \u201cEarly action on heat stress helps protect cattle health, support milk production, and reduce avoidable losses.\u201d\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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Why is heat stress dangerous?<\/h2>\n\n

\n Cattle are homoeothermic animals, meaning they maintain a relatively stable core body temperature,\n typically around 38.8\u00b0C \u00b1 0.5\u00b0C.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n When environmental conditions reduce the animal\u2019s ability to regulate body temperature, heat stress can develop.\n One of the key measures used to assess this risk is the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), which combines both temperature\n and humidity to reflect the thermal pressure cattle are under.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n Cattle generally begin to experience heat stress when THI rises above 68.\n Without enough shade, water, airflow, or cooling, short-term stress can quickly become a more serious issue,\n affecting both animal welfare and farm performance.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Heat stroke symptoms in cattle<\/h2>\n\n

\n Recognising the early signs of heat stress is important, as prompt action can help prevent more serious health problems or death.\n <\/p>\n\n