According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), this summer will likely experience prolonged and scorching weather. High and prolonged temperatures can negatively impact livestock growth, development, and disease resistance, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks and transmission. To minimize the harmful effects of hot weather on large cattle, farmers should take note of the following technical measures:
1. Housing
- Build cattle sheds away from residential areas.
- Construct simple roofs using tiles, thatch, bamboo, or leaves to provide shade from direct sunlight. Build a double-roofed shed to improve ventilation. Grow climbing vines on the roof for additional cooling.
- Surround the shed with fencing made of leaves to ensure air circulation. However, be prepared for sudden rainstorms, especially at night, during hot weather. Quickly cover the shed to prevent cattle from getting a sudden cold.
- Clean ditches and drains regularly to prevent manure and waste from accumulating and causing disease. Use odor-neutralizing products to reduce unpleasant smells in the shed. After mechanical cleaning, use a shed wash solution. Do not let water stand on the shed floor after washing to prevent cattle from drinking dirty water.
2. Feeding and Care
- Increase the amount of green feed such as fresh vegetables, roots, and fruits; increase protein, reduce starch, fat, and sugar; and supplement with vitamin C and minerals if the cattle's diet is deficient. Feed cattle early in the morning or late afternoon during prolonged hot weather. Ensure cattle have enough roughage (15-35 kg/head/day for cattle and buffaloes) and supplement with concentrate feed (1-2.5 kg/head/day). Adjust the amount of concentrate feed for dairy cows according to milk yield. Ensure a constant supply of clean, cool water for cattle. During hot weather, bathe cattle 1-2 times daily to lower their body temperature. For dairy cows, bathe them 2-3 hours before or after milking. Grazing hours: 6:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM late afternoon. Avoid grazing cattle in the hot sun for extended periods. If the outdoor temperature is too high or the sun is too intense, keep cattle in the shed, feed them there, or tie them in shady areas.
3. Disease Prevention
- Implement biosecurity measures: Reduce shed temperature by cleaning sheds thoroughly, collecting manure and placing it in manure pits, sprinkling lime powder on the surface, and covering it. Regularly disinfect and sanitize sheds and surrounding areas 1-2 times a week to eliminate pathogens using lime powder or disinfectants such as Benkocid, Han-Iodine, Five-Iodine, RTD-Iodine, etc.
- Observe and monitor the health status of the herd daily. If cattle show abnormal signs (due to heatstroke, sunburn, high stocking density during transportation, etc.), take immediate cooling measures to minimize risks—isolate affected cattle in a shady, well-ventilated area. Use a fan cooling system, but avoid blowing directly at the cattle to prevent shock or fainting. Apply ice packs to the head and face, and provide electrolyte solution once stabilized before reintroducing them to the herd.
- Proactively prevent common diseases during hot weather, such as heatstroke, pneumonia, diarrhea, and septicemia. Vaccinate cattle against all recommended diseases according to veterinary guidelines. For farms, implement footbaths and lime powder application outside the shed area.
Additional Notes:
- Monitor weather forecasts regularly to plan and implement heat stress mitigation measures.
- Provide shade for cattle during grazing, especially during the hottest part of the day.
- Install sprinklers or misting systems to cool cattle down.
- Allow cattle to access water at all times.
- Monitor cattle for signs of heat stress, such as increased respiratory rate, excessive panting, drooling, and lethargy.
- If cattle show signs of heat stress, take immediate action to cool them down, such as moving them to a shaded area, providing excellent water, and applying ice packs to their heads.
- Consult a veterinarian if cattle are severely affected by heat stress.
