Extreme Heat Management for Livestock in Australia

As Australia faces soaring daytime temperatures this week, we consult Dr. David Beatty, group manager for productivity & animal wellbeing at Meat & Livestock Australia, for essential tips on managing livestock during heat stress.

Immediate Actions for Livestock Management

Here are six immediate actions and four longer-term strategies designed to enhance heat resilience for livestock managers:

Immediate Steps

• Ensure unrestricted access to clean, cool water; check troughs frequently, as water intake increases in hot conditions.
• Provide adequate shade and airflow, allowing animals to spread out in cooler areas to minimize heat retention.
• Delay handling, transporting, or yarding livestock until temperatures drop; schedule feeding for early mornings or late afternoons.
• Monitor animals closely for signs of heat stress, including open-mouth panting, drooling, and decreased movement.

Dr. Beatty emphasizes that heat stress is detrimental to livestock welfare and productivity, leading to decreased feed intake and, in severe cases, organ damage or death.

Long-term Heat Resilience Strategies

Preparation is vital for protecting livestock against extreme temperatures. Here are four strategies to consider:

• Enhance shade infrastructure to ensure reliable cooling options year-round.
• Strengthen the reliability of water systems by adding backup pumps and increasing trough capacity.
• Integrate heat resilience within nutrition and breeding programs, selecting for heat-tolerant genetics.
• Embed heat planning within emergency preparedness, aligning with bushfire mitigation strategies.

The Threat of Bushfires

In addition to heat stress, the risk of bushfires is increasing, necessitating all-year preparedness. A structured fire management plan can shield livestock from losses and facilitate quicker recovery post-events. Key components include:

• Implementing fuel reduction and improving infrastructure.
• Establishing a solid emergency livestock strategy, including early relocation to refuge paddocks.

Checklist for Managing Livestock During Extreme Heat

Planning Ahead

1. Adjust planned work to minimize livestock exposure to heat.
2. Communicate with neighboring producers about upcoming high-risk heat days.

Immediate Actions

1. Check Water Points: Inspect troughs and tanks frequently to ensure they are clean and operational.
2. Provide Shade: Ensure animals have access to shade and airflow.
3. Postpone Handling: Delay any livestock movement during peak heat.
4. Adjust Feeding Schedules: Shift feeding to cooler parts of the day to minimize heat stress.
5. Monitor for Signs: Look for symptoms of heat stress and act swiftly to alleviate conditions.
6. Reduce Animal Crowding: Allow livestock to spread out to increase airflow and decrease heat accumulation.

Managing Feedlot Heat Load Stress

The Australian Lot Feeders Association offers extensive advice for managing heat stress in feedlots. During extreme conditions, implementing practical strategies is essential:

• Ensure additional water tanks are available for increased access.
• Postpone mustering and cattle movements during excessive heat.

A heat load ration can be introduced to minimize stress during high heat days, helping to stabilize intake and manage ferments effectively.

For further resources on heat stress management in feedlots, visit the ALFA website.