Heat, humidity levels may be threat to cattle over summer

Warm weather and humidity could pose as a threat to cattle this summer in Eastern New Mexico.

Beef and dairy ranchers should monitor this year’s temperatures, humidity levels and airflow to ensure the safety of their livestock during the summer months, according to Mason Grau, New Mexico State University’s Extension Agricultural Agent in Clovis.

Terminal heat stress starts when temperatures reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and 80% humidity, but ranchers should start watching the humidity when it hits 50%, Grau said.

“We usually don’t have that level of humidity over here, but we’re definitely more humid than what we have been in other years,” he added.

Grau said that when the weather reaches over 100 degrees and humidity levels are high, cattle are at a risk of suffering through heat stress. Heat stress results when cattle absorb more heat within their body than they can release through respiration, sweating or air flow produced by their caregivers.

According to a study by the University of Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the temperature at which cattle can maintain core body temperature ranges from 32 degrees to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. When outdoor conditions exceed that, cattle tend to show signs of heat stress, such as elevated respiration and increased heart rate.

Eastern New Mexico is traditionally known for the dry climate, Grau said, but if the region continues to have rain and high temperatures, it could be a cause for concern for summer months.

“It’s a cause for concern, but from a management standpoint. Just prepare in doing things. We do that every year, regardless of if a heatwave is coming or not,” Grau said.

Grau said that as long as wind flow keeps maintaining the dry climate, eastern New Mexico should be able to dodge the concern of heat stress upon its livestock. However, he said that ranchers should always take precautions to ensure the well-being of their livestock.

“Your black-hide cattle get a little bit more (heat) than anything else,” Grau said. “Your lighter cattle tend to do better in hot and humid environments. I think in places like here, it’s not as severe as other places.”

According to another study by the University of Nebraska institute, ranchers should follow these tips to help cattle with summer heat:

• Provide plenty of water and space around water tanks for each animal.

• Sprinklers with a large droplet size can keep cattle and their pens cool. Regulate in accordance with humidity levels.

• Remove excess manure, as it holds excessive amounts of moisture and increases humidity in the surrounding area.

• Provide ample amounts of shade for the cattle to rest under.

• Avoid overcrowding as the body heat of the cattle will raise their internal temperatures.

• Avoid working or transporting cattle in extreme temperatures.

• Reduce the amount of feed to the livestock. Feed them in the morning to lower heat stress.

• Place sources of air flow such as tall mounds and place livestock in areas with fewer windbreaks.

• Monitor the weather frequently. Keep track of temperatures, humidity and airflow in your local area.

Grau said that it is extremely important that cattle have plenty of water and shade during the summer months. He said that ranchers should also make sure that their cattle is not bunched up when grazing within the fields.

He said that cattle tend to herd themselves in tight knit groups, but during summer months it poses a threat as the surrounding body heat puts their core internal temperature in lethal levels.

“The main thing here, raising cattle is just having access to water. If you drive to any dairy farm in Curry County, they have those shaded areas. They have shade and access to water,” Grau said.

Grau said that the eastern New Mexico is fortunate typically to have a dry climate. He said as long as farmers keep a close eye on the well-being of their livestock and the weather, the safety of the cattle should be assured.