Managing Heat Stress in Angus Cattle Operation and Seedstock Production

When temperatures climb to the extremes, it is easy for Angus cattle to suffer from heat stress or excessive heat load that is better known as EHL. You need to be proactive daily to deal with this situation. Otherwise, it may be too late to save your cattle before death occurs. Develop an effective management plan ahead of time, so when the weather changes, you will be ready to care for your herd in the appropriate manner to prevent EHL. We provide some tips below to help you manage this issue in your Angus cattle.

Provide Sufficient Water Sources

Troughs of water should be located throughout your pastures and shelters to provide an ongoing supply to your cattle. While galvanised troughs are suitable, concrete ones will keep the cattle’s drinking water cooler. Plumbing to these troughs should deliver the water at a sufficient rate to keep the troughs full during peak-demand periods. Space the troughs in such a way that the Angus animals do not need to walk too far at any one time to them.

Offer Adequate Shaded Areas

Along with plenty of water, your Angus cattle need shaded areas to stay out of the sun when necessary. You can accomplish this in the following ways:

• Large trees with extensive canopies should not be removed from pastures since they offer ideal natural shade from the heat.

• Construct shelters using timber for the frame and galvanised steel for the roof. Similar to the water troughs, you need to locate these shelters in convenient places to ensure the cattle only travel a short distance to use them.

• Groups of trees or sections of forests also provide the Angus cattle sufficient shade from the heat.

Handle Animals in the Morning or Evening

During hot weather, handle your Angus male and females in the cool of the morning or evening rather than in the middle of the afternoon when the temperature is at its highest. You will minimise their stress by doing so with your animals.

Consider the Heat When Planning Transport for Your Angus

Heat also can stress out your Angus animals during transport. For this reason, you should plan transporting your animals in the cooler parts of the year or day as the case may be in your specific situation.

Always monitor the temperatures closely so that you are prepared to protect your animals when they climb into the hot range. For further information about how to manage heat stress in Angus cattle operation and seedstock production, consult with Southfork Angus. We have been breeding and raising Angus for many years and are experts on how to protect them from the heat along with all other aspects of Angus cattle.

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