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Heat stress in cattle is a concern

As hot weather continues, heat stress in cattle becomes a greater concern.

University of Nebraska Extension beef educator Erin Laborie says the combination of hot temperatures, high humidity and lack of air movement can result in severe cases of heat stress for cattle.

“Especially when we look at those overnight temperatures that are remaining above 70 degrees. Our cattle really have a hard time recovering from those heat episodes and preparing for the next day’s heat,” Laborie says. “So that’s when we see things like reduced feed intake and gains—and in very extreme cases, we can see deaths in cattle.”

Laborie says two key strategies to help mitigate heat stress are making sure cattle have plenty of water and providing shade if possible.