Much of this summer has felt like early fall, butthe summer heat is going to rally over the next several days, prompting concern about livestock heat stress.
Dixon said temperatures over the past seven weeks have been below normal, and the livestock heat stress index has stayed below dangerous and emergency categories. However, very hot and muggy conditions will overtake much of the state with temperatures in the upper 80s to mid-90s through the next week as an upper-level ridge of high pressure takes hold.
“To keep cattle from becoming overheated, you certainly do not want to work them during heat stress conditions, including veterinary work, reproductive checks or vaccinations,” Bewley said.
Regulation body temperature becomes difficult for all horses when temperatures exceed 90 degrees, so avoid exercising them during very hot periods. When humidity is high, temperatures much lower than 90 degrees can pose problems. Horse owners can reduce heat stress by scheduling activities during the cooler part of the day and giving horses plenty of water. Transporting horses during the cooler hours of the morning or evening can help. To reduce the risk of dehydration and heat stress, give horses access to water before, during and after transportation in hot weather.
Lactating mares will have especially high water requirements, because they are using water for milk production and regulating body temperature.
Hot weather also will increase horses' need for salt, because salt is lost during sweating. Heavy rains can "melt" salt blocks in pastures, so salt licks should be checked.