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16/05/2025
In the summer, milk production in cows often decreases, and the main reason is heat stress. Due to the heat, animals eat less, drink more, and milk yields decrease. To avoid these factors, it is important to properly organize the microclimate in the cowshed. In this article, we will consider what heat stress is, how to avoid it, and why ventilation is the key to productive dairy farming.
What is heat stress in cows?
Heat stress is a condition when the animal's body cannot effectively remove excess heat to the environment. For cattle, a temperature above 22-25° with a relative humidity above 60-70% is considered critical. Under conditions of heat stress, heat exchange is disrupted, body temperature increases, appetite decreases, and as a result, milk yield also decreases, productivity worsens.
What are the symptoms of overheating in cows? This is increased breathing through the mouth, increased body temperature (over 39.5°), low activity, lack of appetite, staying in the shade or near ventilation holes, reduced milk yield and changes in milk quality.
How does hot air affect the productivity of dairy cows?
Cattle have very limited opportunities to regulate their body temperature - they can only breathe more often, drink more water and cool down a little through evaporation from the body surface. And when the air temperature exceeds 22-25°, the body begins to spend a significant amount of energy on thermoregulation instead of milk production. And milk yield also decreases by 15-30%, fertility is impaired, the risk of infections, mastitis increases - cows stand more, lie down less, and because of this, blood circulation in the udder is impaired). Problems arise with hooves and reproductive function (fertility drops by 20-40% in the heat due to cycle disruption). The body spends energy not on digesting food, but on cooling it. The composition of milk also changes: the fat and protein content decreases, and the number of somatic cells may increase due to the general deterioration of the health of the cows. To minimize the impact of hot air on the productivity of dairy cows, farmers implement ventilation, cooling and automatic microclimate control systems
Optimal air flow is the key to animal health
Ventilation for a dairy farm is often underestimated, although in fact it is the foundation for herd health, drinking and reproductive function. Thanks to ventilation, excess heat, moisture and harmful gases are removed, the litter is dry and the air is clean, heat stress and fattening are prevented, feed consumption and milk yield are improved.
How to organize air circulation in the animal housing area? It is necessary to equip a tunnel ventilation system, when air enters from one side and exits through exhaust fans from the other. Side ventilation through open side curtains or adjustable blinds, together with fans around the entire perimeter, will also help to ensure uniform air movement. Ceiling or pendant fans in lying areas and above feed paths should not be neglected. Circulator fans are placed along the cowshed under the ceiling at a slope of 15-20° to the floor. The cooling effect will be enhanced if ventilation is combined with water spray systems.
How to avoid heat stress in cows?
Regular and effective ventilation of the room is perhaps the main way to reduce the temperature and humidity in the cowshed, which should provide 6-10 air exchanges per hour, and in hot weather - all 40. It is important to avoid stagnant zones and ensure uniform air movement at the animal level.
Free access to clean, cool water - in hot weather, cows drink 110-150 liters per day. Do not neglect automatic microclimate control systems that measure temperature, humidity, ammonia levels, automatically regulate the operation of ventilation, curtains, spraying systems and improve the energy efficiency of the company and minimize the human factor.
The diet also matters. It is necessary to add feed additives with electrolytes and antioxidants. In the territory of the enclosure, equip sheds, awnings, which will improve the comfort of animals and reduce heat stress.
How VADA helps farmers
The VADA company offers axial fans adapted to the conditions of Ukrainian farms, which create an intensive air flow, reduce the temperature and humidity in the room. They are energy-efficient, reliable and easy to maintain - VADA fans are suitable for cowsheds of any size. And the company's experts will help you choose the necessary equipment for the specific conditions of the farm and, if necessary, help with its installation and subsequent service.
16/05/2025
