The Farmers Mart Aug-Sep 2019 - Issue 64 | Page 16

16 FARM NEWS
AUG/SEP 2019 • farmers-mart.co.uk
Take steps to prevent heat stress in
animals, urges agricultural expert
After a series of record-breaking heatwaves hit the UK an agricultural expert is warning about the
potentially fatal impact of heat stress on livestock and outlined steps farmers can take to reduce the risk.
MERCURY levels continue to
climb year after year, with June
2019 officially named the hottest
June in recorded history. July saw
temperatures soar even further,
breaking global temperature
records, with Cambridge reaching
a sweltering 38.7°C on July 25.
As the weather continues
to oscillate between a
deluge of rain and
scorching temper-
atures, the impact
on the harvest is
the first thing that
springs to mind,
with time and
effort concentrated
on maximising yields.
But Sarah Verity, of
Farmers and Mercantile
Insurance Brokers (FMIB),
urged farms to not overlook the
effect of rising temperatures on
livestock and to take precaution-
ary measures against heat stress.
She said: “Farming is a weather
dependent industry, acutely sen-
sitive to temperature extremes, so
the summer can be an extremely
worrying and testing time of
year for farmers. Harvest often
takes precedence in these critical
months.
“Of course, the wellbeing of
the livestock is also top priority
for farmers, but it takes just a few
extra degrees, over a relatively
short period of time, for animals
to suffer the effects of heat
stress.
“Unfortunately, many animals
do not have the ability to dissipate
enough heat to maintain homeo-
thermy, so even seemingly subtle
increases in air temperature can
be very harmful and can lead to
death.
“Farmers care deeply about
the wellbeing of their animals and
losing animals in this way can be
very distressing.”
Sarah outlined some simple
measures farmers can take to
reduce the risk of heat stress in
different farm animals.
Beef Cattle
Cows out to pasture are not
usually as susceptible to heat
stress as those kept in sheds.
However, working them during
periods of extreme heat should
be avoided; try to stick to early
mornings. Evenings should also
be avoided as it can take cows
six hours to bring their core body
temperatures back down to
normal after being exposed to
extreme heat.
Cattle naturally produce a lot
of heat whilst they’re eating, and
this peaks around four hours after
feeding. Therefore, cattle kept in
sheds need to be fed earlier than
usual to avoid their body temper-
atures peaking in the middle of
the day.
Dairy Cattle
Dairy cattle can start to experi-
ence mild heat stress from around
20°C.
Increased ventilation, fans,
shade and sprinklers can all help
with reducing body temperatures.
These should be used in holding
pens and milking parlours, as
cows are under increased stress
in these areas.
Access to water should be a
given but intake is likely to double
under heat stress. Make sure
calves in huts or cows separated
for rest have additional water, as
these animals are more suscepti-
ble to heat stress.
An increase in moisture caused
by excessive sweating can also
lead to mastitis.
Pigs
Pigs are much more sensitive to
heat than other animals because
they lack the ability to sweat.
Signs of stress in pigs include
open-mouth breathing, vocal-
isation, blotchy skin, stiffness,
muscle tremors and reluctance to
move. If pigs begin to demonstrate
these symptoms, allow them to
rest, keep them cool with fans and
have access to plenty of water.
It can be helpful to sprinkle cool
water onto the pig. Avoid pouring
large amounts of cold water
onto the pig, as this could cause
shock.
Pigs housed outside need plenty
of shade.
Sheep
Sheep tend to be less suscep-
tible to heat stress than other
livestock. Wool protects sheep
from extreme heat, as well as
extreme cold.
Make sure sheep have been
sheared and pay close attention
for issues caused by flies.
During periods of extended
heat and humidity, it may be
necessary to provide extra
water.
Poultry
Poultry are highly susceptible
to heat stress, and the first sign of
this in the bird is panting.
To prevent overheating, keep
sheds well ventilated, look to
decrease the number of birds
per square meter and keep water
sources fresh and cool.
Birds produce heat whilst
digesting food so look to feed
birds during the cooler parts of
the day. With broilers and turkeys
remove feed from the birds
around six hours before peak
temperatures and reintroduce
once it’s starting to cool.
Working Dogs
Don’t forget about your working
dogs during extreme heat.
Avoid working them during the
peak of the day. Keep dogs in well
ventilated shade and with regular
access to water. A shallow paddling
pool is a fast way for a dog to cool
down their body temperature.
Avoid taking dogs with you
in the tractor or pick up whilst
temperatures are high.
If animals are displaying signs of
heat stress, farmers are advised to
seek veterinary help immediately.
Farmers who are interested in
protecting their livestock against
the effects of heat stress can
speak to their insurance broker to
discuss the options available.