The long-range outlook from the National Weather Service is forecasting unseasonably high temperatures through the end of June for all of Indiana. With county fair season in full swing, fair organizers and animal owners should plan ahead to minimize the potential for heat stress in livestock and poultry going to shows.
Heat stress occurs when an animal cannot adequately dissipate heat. Livestock and poultry can begin feeling the effects of heat stress at relatively low air temperatures because relative humidity plays a significant role in an animal's ability to cool itself by evaporation. The higher the humidity the harder it is for animals to cool themselves.
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) offers this guidance:
Be Aware:
- Recognize that high humidity adds to the animals' stress levels. Pigs, rabbits and poultry are not able to sweat to cool their body temperatures.
- Owners should monitor individual animals for signs of heat stress:
- Panting, open-mouth breathing
- Increased respirations
- Excessive salivation (drooling)
- Lack of coordination, trembling or inability to stand
- High rectal temperature
- Lethargy
Move Safely:
- Transport animals during the coolest part of the day, usually mornings or evenings
- Do not crowd animals in transport trailers to allow for air circulation
- Avoid check-in during the hottest, most humid hours
- Unload animals immediately on arrival. Wait to decorate the stall area until after animals are in their stanchions, pens, or stalls and have been provided with water and good air flow
Keep Animals Comfortable:
- Place fans to increase air flow through barns (mixing fans should be at a 20-degree angle)
- Wet animals to the skin--but only if air flow is good and the water can evaporate
- Use wet shavings for bedding; avoid straw, which is an insulator
- Provide plenty of cool drinking water
- Do not crowd pens; spread out animals as much as possible
Show Management:
- Schedule shows in coolest part of the day
- Add mixing fans to barns
- Release animals to return home at the end of their competitions
Iowa State University offers charts to assess when heat and humidity are most threatening to various species. Remember that individual animals may react differently, especially if they have had previous health issues and/or are not acclimated to the temperature.
Categories: Iowa, Business, Weather