Beating the heat for your livestock

31 Jan 2024

With forecast hot weather in the coming days, the Hunter Local Land Services District veterinarian team are advising stock owners to be mindful of the impacts of high temperatures on their stock.

Cattle can be affected by heat stress and signs include – increase in respiration rate, open mouth breathing, reduced feed intake, seeking shade, crowding around water troughs, drooling saliva and in severe cases collapse and death.

Owners should ensure cattle are in a paddock that provides adequate shade opportunities for all stock, especially in the hotter parts of the day and ensure that water supply is adequate.

Dairy farmers may consider altering milking times, delaying afternoon milking and using sprinklers in the dairy yard.

It’s important to ensure farm dogs have access to plenty of shade and water –providing additional water dishes may be necessary.