What can farmers do to minimize heat stress in cattle?

Providing shade and ample water is essential for minimizing heat stress in cattle because these factors directly address the animals' need for a cooler environment and proper hydration. Cattle can naturally dissipate heat through shading, which keeps them away from direct sunlight, thereby reducing their body temperature. Access to ample water is crucial as it helps maintain hydration levels and supports the overall physiological functions of the animals, allowing them to cope better with the heat.

In contrast, increasing feed intake may lead to increased metabolic heat production, which can exacerbate heat stress. Reducing herd size does not directly address the environmental conditions affecting individual animals and may not significantly alleviate heat stress. Limiting pasture access could potentially restrict the cattle’s ability to find natural shade and water sources, further worsening their heat stress situation. Therefore, the best approach to protect cattle from heat stress is to ensure they have access to shaded areas and plenty of fresh water.