Click on the
images below
|
Why Spray Cool?
It does not have to be 110°F degrees
for heat stress to occur in dairy cows. Studies have found that at temperatures
as low as 78°F, dairy cows will begin to cut feed intake and lose body
weight. Milk production falls. Reproductive performance, health, and lactational
performance are affected. Heat stress will continue to affect performance
even in the cooler months ahead. High yielding cows are most susceptible
to heat stress. All of this quickly impacts your pocket book!
The degree of heat stress suffered
by the cow will depend on the combination of environmental conditions -
air temperature, relative humidity, air movement, and radiation from the
sun. Dairymen use shades, fans, and ample fresh drinking water to help
herds beat the heat; but often shade and ventilation are just not enough.
In southern states where the heat and humidity is more severe dairymen
have also used sprinklers to provide added cooling effects.
Research has shown that intermittent
showering in combination with shade and forced air movement is a very effective
method of cooling dairy cows, thereby reducing the production losses experienced
during hot, humid weather conditions. By using a high capacity, coarse
droplet shower nozzle, enough water can be applied to fully wet the cows
hair and skin. The water is then allowed to evaporate, which pulls heat
from the animal, just like sweating. Increased air movement across the
wet skin provided by fans, makes this system most efficient.
These systems were installed
in
feed bunk areas and holding
areas
|
