Management strategies reduce impact
KFB
The combination of heat and humidity can have significant financial impact on livestock, especially on fed cattle. A web site is available that provides cattle heat stress estimates based on the National Weather Service seven day forecasts and heat stress research done at the US Meat Animal Research Center.
In the last ten years, direct and indirect financial losses for these events have been estimated at more than $75 million for the cattle industry alone. Heat wave events are unavoidable but management strategies can reduce their impact. Advance notice combined with heat stress management plans can help minimize the losses associated with these recurring weather phenomenon.
Photo credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture
