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Latest findings help optimise dairy production in the face of heat stress
As climate change intensifies, UK dairy farms face increasing challenges. With summers growing warmer, heat stress has become a significant issue affecting milk production, and cow health, welfare, and fertility. A pioneering study has provided new practical insights
Understanding heat stress: a critical issue for dairy farms
Heat stress occurs when cows are unable to dissipate heat effectively, leading to elevated body temperatures that adversely affect their physiological functions.
This condition is particularly critical in dairy cattle due to their high metabolic heat production from rumination and milk production processes.
As temperatures rise, cows experience stress that can lead to decreased milk production, altered milk composition, reduced feed intake, and impaired fertility.
Recognising the signs and mitigating the effects of heat stress is essential to maintaining the health and productivity of dairy herds.
Key signs of heat stress
- Increased respiration rate
- Panting or drooling
- Increased standing/reduced lying time
- Fewer, bigger eating bouts
- Less rumination activity (acidosis)
- Decreased feed intake and milk yield
Three key findings to help inform your heat stress strategy
A pioneering study by Lallemand Animal Nutrition, in collaboration with Dr Tom Chamberlain, has provided insights into the impacts of heat stress on UK dairy farms as climate change intensifies and summers grow warmer.
This extensive monitoring across various UK dairy farms highlights the impact heat stress could be having on our farms.
How to manage heat stress on your farm
Management techniques: Evaluate the environment the cows are in. Enhancing natural ventilation and installing high-velocity fans can significantly improve air circulation and heat dissipation, providing a cooler environment for the cows. These measures not only prevent heat build-up, but also enhance overall cow comfort and welfare.
Siesta grazing: Adopt siesta grazing to manage heat exposure by altering grazing schedules to cooler periods of the day.
Supplemental feeding: Use Levucell SC Summershield, a specialised feed supplement designed to enhance rumen function and resilience during heat stress. Our trials show notable improvements in milk quality and overall cow health. Read more here.
How can live yeast help mitigate the impacts of heat stress?
Levucell SC Summershield, is a cutting-edge feed supplement designed to optimise rumen function during heat stress conditions
How can live yeast help mitigate the impacts of heat stress?
Levucell SC Summershield, is a cutting-edge feed supplement designed to optimise rumen function during heat stress conditions.
The past few years we’ve also noticed changes in our milk quality, with butterfat levels dropping in the summer. But this year we fed Lallemand’s live yeast, Levucell SC Summershield, to our milking cows which has helped to maintain milk quality.
Explore the latest research on heat stress management in dairy cattle
In the summer of 2021, an innovative study was conducted on two leading dairy farms in Poland, focusing on the benefits of Levucell SC.
This research examined its effectiveness in supporting dairy cattle during periods of heat stress.
Find out how this innovative yeast can enhance the health and productivity of your dairy herd during warm weather.
Published Jul 15, 2024 | Updated Aug 11, 2024
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