Managing heat stress: Why buffer feeding and grass management matter this summer
Hot weather can quickly hit feed intake, milk yield and liveweight gain. Good grazing management, buffer feeding and access to plentiful fresh water can help keep livestock performing when temperatures rise. File picture
The past few weeks have been challenging for both farmers and livestock. While Ireland has traditionally escaped the extreme summer temperatures experienced across southern Europe, warmer weather is becoming increasingly common. As a result, heat stress is now a genuine management challenge on Irish dairy and beef farms.
Even a few consecutive days of high temperatures can reduce animal performance, particularly when warm nights prevent livestock from cooling down. While sunshine can initially boost grass growth, prolonged dry conditions quickly reduce growth rates. At the same time, heat stress lowers feed intake, milk production and daily liveweight gain.
