September doesn't turn off heat stress
The first cooler mornings often give the impression that the heatwave can be put aside until next summer.
However, the cow does not look at the calendar.
If temperatures and humidity remain high during the day, animals may be experiencing heat stress. Studies describe typical signs as decreased feed intake, increased water intake, increased respiration rate, and increased time spent standing.
Why is decreased appetite so important?
A cow also produces a lot of heat as a result of digestion.
One of the body's natural reactions to high temperatures is to limit the intake of dry matter.
For the farmer, this creates a simple problem: less feed intake means less energy and nutrients available for milk production and maintenance.
Therefore, on warm days it is worth observing not only the thermometer, but also:
- number of cows at the feed table,
- intensity of rumination,
- water intake,
- respiratory rate,
- behavior in the afternoon,
- change in performance.
What can be done?
The basis remains the management of building conditions: adequate ventilation, access to clean water, cooling and the organization of feed distribution.
Nutritional support should be a supplement to these activities, not a replacement for them.
Rumistress Stop contains betaine, live yeast, electrolytes, buffering agents, and extracts of fenugreek, capsaicin, and green tea. The product is formulated to support feed intake, stable rumen fermentation, acid-base balance, and hydration in hot weather.
When to stop using?
Ruminta's current recommendation is to start Rumistress Stop 7-14 days before the expected period of high temperatures and continue until the end of the heatwave.
This last part is especially important.
No, until August 31st.
Until the end of conditions causing heat stress.
If September is warm, it is worth adapting the support to the actual conditions in the barn.
