Keep Cool Cows UNIVERSITY PARK (Centre Co.) Whether you have 20 cows or 2.000, your herd needs help staying comfortable in hot weather. Minimizing heat gain and helping cows lose excess heat can keep them comfortable and productive, says an animal hous ing expert in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. “Cows like temperatures on the cool side,” said Dr. Robert Graves, professor of agricultural engineering. “When temperatures exceed 75 to 78 degrees Fahren heit, dairy cows should be provid ed with shade, extra air exchange and water. “Look for early signs of heat discomfort and take action before it affects production,” said Graves. “Are cows breathing fast er? Is the lline at the water trough getting longer' Is feed consump tion slipping? Are cows standing around instead of lying down and ruminating?” If your cows are overheated, you may need to make adjust ments to your facilities. “The milking parlor holding area, feeding areas and resting areas all should receive attention,” Graves said. “Holding areas are especially critical. Do not keep cows in hot, crowded holding areas for more than one hour.” Shade is vital. “Well-ventilated bams, pastures with trees or shade * structures all can provide protec tion from hot summer sun,” Graves said. “Buildings used for winter shelter also can provide summer shade.” Air exchange and movement also is important “Air flowing over a cow will carry away the heat lost from her HEAVY DUTY "HIGH TORQUE" FARM THESE MOTORS ARE IDEALLY SUITED FOR TOUGH APPLICATIONS SUCH AS PUMPS, CONVEYORS, POULTRY EQUIPMENT & OTHER FARM DUTY MACHINERY. p—{ APPARATUS REPAIR & ENGINEERING, INC. 90 West Lee Street 136 Keller Ave. Hagerstown, MD Lancaster, PA (301) 739-8285 (717) 291-6650 (800)592-3100 REPAIR SALES ft SERVICE Electric motors Pumps Welders body and hot, moist air expelled from her mouth.” Graves said. “Removing bam sidewalls and endwalls or providing extra ex haust fans will replace hot, moist air with fresh outside air.” Cows need a lot of water in the summer, so help them get their fill easily and conveniently. “Cows easily can consume twice as much water during hot weather, so place extra water troughs around the bam,” Graves said. “Cows particularly seem to enjoy a long, cool drink right after leaving the milking parlor.” Long periods of hot weather re quire additional measures. “Sprinkle cows with Water then let them dry off,” Graves said. “The evaporating moisture removes large amounts of heat from the cows and cooling continues while their haircoat dries.” Use a low-pressure nozzle that delivers 0.5 to 1.0 gallons per min ute in large droplets. ‘Tine mists will not penetrate the haircoat and may blow away before reaching the cows,” Graves said. “Nozzles can be spaced along the feed line to wet cows’ backs while they are eating. Auto matic controls can turn the water on when the temperature exceeds 78 degrees, and then cycle it off and on until the temperature cools. Fans should be turned on when the temperature reaches 75 degrees.” High-pressure fan foggers con tinuously spray water into the air of a fan. As the water evaporates, it moistens the air and cools cows. Keep your cows comfortable, but don’t go overboard. “Operat ing cooling systems when they’re not needed can chill cows," Graves said. Power Tools Controls WHEN SELECTING DOUBLE-CROP Don’t Settle For an Old “Hound” When You Can Buy CX 415 Early Group IV CX 411 Early Group IV CX 404 Early Group IV CX 399 Late Group 111 CX 366 Mid-Group 111 CX 329 Early Group 111 - Double Crop Bean Just because bean season is upon us and you nee soybeans quickly, don’t settle for the competitors 2n 3rd rate “Old Hound” DEKALB DEALERS STILL HAVE A GOOD SUPPL' of their TOP VARIETIES! See Your Local DeKalb Dealer For These Other Seed Products SOYBEANS... TOP DOG! Irtcwttf Farnunfl, Saturday, July 2. 1i
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