July 2011

Is the summer heat stressing out your calves?

With summer can come highly variable and unpredictable weather. This year has been no exception, and it is important to consider the effects of heat stress on all animals in your barn. Calves are highly susceptible to these effects, as they have an upper critical temperature of just 26⁰C (79⁰F). Past this temperature, maintenance requirements increase, meaning calves require more feed to meet these requirements before growth can be achieved. These effects on growth can affect age at first calving or age to market.

In extreme temperatures, requirements are believed to increase by 20-30% (Drackley 2011). This is largely because calves use energy to release energy, as they attempt to cool by panting or sweating.

Click here for the full article and management tips to help your calves fight the summer heat.