60 Cow Free Stall Bam
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430 Springville Road Ephrata. PA 17522
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INESS ON IT)
Hot We ather Helps
TERRY L. MADDOX
Huntingdon Co. Extension
HUNTINGDON (Huntingdon
Co.) —The warm days and nights
have given the com the boost it
needed. There was some frost
around the area in the first part of
June. Now that the warmer weath
er appears to be with us let’s open
the bams so the animals are
comfortable.
Robert Graves, Penn State
Extension ag engineer, has some
of his own thoughts on the basics
of cow environment
High ambient temperature and
humidity can have profound
effects on milk yield, reproductive
performance, growth and health.
The basic approach to hot
weather cow management
includes: Keep the cows out of the
hot midday sun, maximize air
movement around the cows (2 to 5
mph at the cow is recommended),
provide adequate air exchange to
remove foul air from bams, and
provide plenty of fresh cool drink
ing water (extra tubs may be
needed during the' summer).
The word SAW may help with
remembering (he important points
about hot weather cow care as
relates to buildings.
S • shade is important to protect
animals from intense summer sun
shine. Natural shade, a shade
structure or a well ventilated bam
are all suitable.
A • air movement and air
exchange are necessary to help
animals remove body heat. At
temperatures over 80 degrees, air
moving at 2 to 5 mph will increase
cow comfort and help maintain
production. Removable sidewalls
Not Cows
Corn,
and open ridges are necessary in
naturally ventilated bams. Adequ
ate exhaust fans and air inlets arc
essential in mechanically venti
lated bams. Extra circulation Tans
blowing air across cows may be
beneficial in cither situation. So
called tunnel ventilation systems
can be used effectively in the stall
bams. This involves placing large
ventilation fans (total 60,000 cfm
of more) in one end wall of the
stable. Windows, doors, and large
inlets arc opened on the other end
of the stable.
W - water, and plenty of it, is
needed to make milk. In hot
weather, the cow will utilize water
first to help cool herself through
respiration moisture and sweating.
Any water left over will go for
milk production. Add extra water
ing locations, shade the outside
watcrcrs, and be sure water supply
is adequate.
Two areas of particular concern
during hot weather include hold
ing areas and feeding areas where
cows arc crowded close together.
Farmers arc encouraged to take
steps to provide fresh, palatable
feed and fresh water in a comfort
able environment. If the bam or
shade tree is more attractive than
the feed bunk or water trough, it is
likely that feed consumption will
decline. ■ .
Management changes that may
be considered include; feeding
lime and frequency, manure
scraping limes, use of outside pad
docks at night or early mdming,
and bringing cows into well
ventilated bams during the heat of
the day.