Spotting Heat Stress In Cattle

The thermometer is set to surge above 90 degrees early next week, resulting in a greater risk of heat stress among Missouri’s cattle herds. University of Missouri Extension beef specialist Eric Bailey says heat stress can impact cattle at any hour of the day, including after sunset.

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Bailey says cattle have to rid their bodies of excess heat by panting, noting that respiration rates over 110 breaths per minute indicating heat stress. He highlights some additional signs of stress.

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MU Extension beef specialist Eric Bailey recently led an online town hall on managing heat stress in beef cattle. He suggests that in addition to providing multiple sources of water and shade, producers should avoid working cattle during high temperatures and avoid tall fescue infected with toxic endophytes.