Provide Heat Relief for Cattle
At 8:51 in
How Farm Animals Beat the Extreme Heat 🥵
What happens here
The farmer drives his UTV to locate his cattle in a large pasture, initially finding his donkey, Tammy, lying in the open sun. He explains that while donkeys tolerate heat well, cattle seek natural shade and water sources during extreme temperatures. He walks into a densely wooded creek area where the cattle are gathered, highlighting that this spot is 20-25 degrees cooler than the open pasture. He observes a cow (Suzie) showing signs of heat stress (dripping milk) and explains the importance of minimizing direct cattle access to the creek to prevent manure runoff. He points out a rock 'bridge' installed in the creek to prevent debris from washing down and clogging pipes under the road. He encourages the cows to move further into the deeper, cooler water. The farmer emphasizes that providing shade and water is critical for cattle health, especially when the heat index exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit, as cattle perform best at 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. He also discusses a future pond project to expand water resources and historical farming practices on his land, highlighting the importance of using land productively.
Goal: Ensure cattle have access to shade and clean water to prevent heat stress and maintain health.
Tools and materials
- Cattle — The livestock being managed
- Donkey — Observing heat tolerance and behavior (animal welfare indicator)
- Honda Pioneer UTV Honda — Transporting the farmer across the large pasture
- Rock Bridge Homemade — Filtering debris and providing a stable crossing in the creek
- Water Natural — Providing hydration for cattle