When it comes to your cows, summer heat puts them under considerable stress and when it comes to managing this, it's their diet that's the best place to start.
We’ve put together a few ways you can help them cope.
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WATER
Make sure it’s clean and they have enough. Clean your troughs and find alternatives to water additives, you don’t want to inhibit intake.
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EXCESS NPN
Avoid it. Go sparingly with the urea if you must use it and always follow the cows rather than a blanket application.
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PKE
Again, avoid using too much. Keep a hold on the high fibre (and low digestibility) feeds if you can.
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NUTRIENTS
Look for nutrient dense feeds like grain for starch and soy or canola for protein.
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FAT
Consider bypass fat as an energy source.
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ELECTROLYTES
Make sure you keep these levels up. View our electrolytes for high-spec options.
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WATCH THE PH
Manage rumen pH, especially with high carbohydrate diets. Subclinical acidosis will contribute to increased heat stress. We have options to assist, ask a Ruminate Territory Manager for assistance with managing rumen pH.
MORE HEAT MEANS LESS MILK
With temperatures on the up and the temperature humidity index above 65, early signs of heat stress on our cows become apparent. We see it when they bunch, become lethargic, crowd the water trough and with a drop in milk production.
This drop is driven by a reduction in feed intake and consequently, rumination levels. The quickest way for your cows to reduce their heat is to reduce their feed intake.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Altering your cows’ diet can make a huge difference.
- Avoid heat-producing high fibre and/or high NPN Diets.
- Opt for a higher proportion of bypass energy and/or protein and more dense sources of energy instead.
These diets typically allow your cows to consume the energy and protein they need to keep milking without the associated increase in heat production.
If you’d like to discuss this more or need some help enhancing the health and performance of your animals, give us a call.
