Summer heat brings big challenges to your farm. High temperatures cause stress on your livestock, reducing their appetite and increasing their risk of dehydration. You need a solid nutrition and hydration plan to keep your animals healthy and productive through the hottest months.
Fight Heat Stress with Feed
When cattle get hot, they eat less. This drop in feed intake can lead to weight loss and lower milk production. You must provide a nutrient-dense feed to make every bite count.
We recommend Purina’s heat-tolerant mineral supplements. These formulas include special additives that help cattle manage heat stress and maintain a healthy appetite. They also replenish essential nutrients lost through sweat. This ensures your herd continues to gain weight and thrive, even when the thermometer climbs.
Focus on Hydration
Water is the most critical nutrient during summer. A dehydrated animal is an unhealthy animal. Your herd’s water needs can double in hot weather, so you must provide constant access to fresh, clean water.
Place water troughs in shaded areas to keep the water cool and inviting. Check them daily and scrub them often to prevent algae growth. For animals on large pastures, ensure they do not have to walk too far to get a drink. Adding an extra water source can make a huge difference.
Provide Ample Shade
A shady spot offers a simple but effective way to beat the heat. Trees are ideal, but you can also build simple shade structures in your pastures. Reducing direct sun exposure helps your animals conserve energy and stay comfortable. An animal resting in the shade is less likely to suffer from heat stress.
Visit Farmer’s Co-op Today
Prepare your herd for the summer heatwave. Stop by your local Farmer’s Co-op in Arkansas or Oklahoma. Our team will help you choose the right Purina summer feeds and supplies to keep your animals hydrated and healthy all season.
