Tools are here to help manage heat stress in livestock

Warm weather has returned, bringing the risk of heat stress in livestock. Cattle in feedlots or other confinement settings are often at greatest risk, especially those near finished weight, but pasture cattle, bulls, calves, sheep, goats, and other livestock can all be affected when high temperatures, humidity, low wind, and warm nights stack together. Heat stress is driven by more than temperature alone. Humidity, wind, sunlight, and whether animals can cool down overnight all play a role.