Wisconsin's demand for electricity has been high last week due to an intense heat wave that was experienced state wide. Power use in many parts of the state even set records.
The heat has taken a toll on Wisconsin’s dairy farmers when milk production slowed down dramatically. According to a study conducted by the University of Nebraska’s Animal Science Department, on the “Effects of Summer Climactic Conditions on the Body Temperature in Beef Cows”, indicators of heat stress in cattle include elevated rectal body temperature and an increase in respiration rate. The mean body temperature of cows is 101.4 degrees F to 101.5 degrees F.
Heat stress can delay puberty in heifers, can cause anestrous in cows, depress estrus activity, induce abortions, and increase prenatal mortality. Effects of heat stress on fertility are prominent when occurring at or near the time of estrus (the period of maximum sexual receptivity of a heifer).
Wisconsin dairy farmer Bill Averbeck milks about 240 cows in Fond du Lac. He says a few days of sweltering heat led to a 7 percent dip in milk output. Rick Roden is an Ozaukee County dairy farmer with about 400 cows. Roden states that the intense heat can leave cows susceptible to bacterial infections on their udders.
Most beef cows and heifers are bred in late spring through midsummer when environmental conditions may cause heat stress and affect reproductive performance. In cow-calf production systems, reproductive performance is essential to the success and profitability of the enterprise.
Pleasant Valley Colony controls temperature by building with Octaform Finished Forming System.
Wisconsin dairy farmers are glad to see temperatures returning to manageable levels this week. The heat has started t move eastward, however the damage it has caused local farmers and their herd has been a detriment to the state’s dairy industry.
Did you know that building with concrete is one of the best ways to create a stable climate temperature for livestock?