As drought and summer temperatures intensify, North Dakota Extension agents have some advice on dealing with heat stress and cattle.
Livestock specialists say that water is one of the most important things to keep in mind.
For pasture cattle, evaluate your water supply and make sure there is plenty of drinking water available. Extension agents give these estimates of daily intake for beef cattle when it is 90 degrees or warmer:
18 gallons for nursing cattle
20 gallons for bulls
9.5 for a 400-pound growing animal
- 14 gallons for a 600-pound finishing cattle
Related:
It’s all about staying cool when working in the hot sun