Dairy Heat Stress Management Guide
A dairy heat stress management guide for farms listing the steps to cool cows, protect milk output and watch for signs of stress in hot weather.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideDairyFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Watch cows for panting and slobbering
- Provide plenty of clean water
- Provide shade or cooled housing
- Run fans and sprinklers as designed
- Cool cows in the holding area
- Adjust rations with the nutritionist
- Reduce handling stress at hot times
- Plan for fresh cows and calves
- Record weather and responses
How to use this guide
Walk a new hand through the steps once, then let them use the page on their own. Add your own notes as you learn what works.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and NOAA.
For more in this area, see the practical dairy know-how. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Goat Dairy Farm Discovers Every Employee Can Jump the Fence and Nobody Respects Management, and dairy farm stories.