How to Cool Down Cattle Sheds in Summer?
During the scorching summer, temperatures in many places have already entered "barbecue mode." Not only do humans feel the heat, but animals also suffer. For cattle farmers, preventing heat stress and reducing the harm to cattle is a top priority. Let's learn how to cool down cattle sheds in summer.
Methods to Cool Down Cattle Sheds in Summer
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Install Sunshade Nets:
Erect sunshade nets above the shed to reduce ultraviolet radiation on cattle. Free-range farmers can raise cattle under awnings or tree shades, depending on their specific circumstances.
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Install Cooling Equipment:
Install electric fans, exhaust fans, or cooling pads to increase ventilation and convection in the cattle shed. Enhance mechanical ventilation and airflow inside the cattle shed, effectively reducing heat stress. Open windows to enhance airflow in the shed and install ventilation balls at the top of the shed. When the temperature in the shed exceeds 28°C and the humidity is above 50%, continuous ventilation is required. Ventilation should be reduced reasonably after 12:00 midnight when the temperature in the shed drops below 28°C to avoid large temperature differences between day and night causing cattle diseases.
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Water Spraying:
In extremely hot areas in the south, spraying water on the top of the cattle shed can effectively reduce the temperature by about 5 degrees. Many regions in the south are currently using this method to cool down cattle sheds, and the effect is significant.
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Feed Low-Calorie Feed:
When feeding, choose low-calorie feed, and avoid feeding cattle with high-calorie feed such as distiller's grains. In areas where conditions permit, adding some green grass to feed fattening cattle in summer can effectively prevent heat stress reactions.
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Feed Timing:
Feed cattle during the cooler times of early morning and evening when they have a strong appetite. Ensure sufficient water intake during the day because cattle consume a lot of water in the hot summer, and adequate water intake can also alleviate heat stress reactions.
In summary, cattle farmers can choose methods according to their own actual conditions. Different scales and breeding conditions have methods that are more suitable for them.
