Heat stress in the dairy barn
Online event of the Bavarian State Institute for Agriculture
As part of the nationwide Focus on Animal Welfare network, the Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Animal Husbandry at the Bavarian State Research Centre for Agriculture organised a free online seminar entitled "Heat stress in dairy cowsheds". Johannes Zahner (LfL Bayern) explained how the negative consequences of heat stress, such as reduced performance and health problems, can be counteracted in the summer months.
Mr Zahner began by pointing out a number of ways in which the heat input into the building can be significantly reduced by structural means. Of course, ventilation options also play an important role here. However, in order to improve the heat dissipation of the animals beyond this, further measures must be taken. Here, Mr Zahner demonstrated the possibilities offered by the use of fans. Fans must generate a high level of air movement on the animals, only then can the heat dissipation of the animals be supported. When cooling through the evaporation of water, a number of points must be taken into account in order to really achieve an advantage for the animals. Practical tips for implementation were also presented here. The participants were also able to ask Mr Zahner questions about heat stress.
Heat stress has already arrived in our stables and will increase in the coming years. It is therefore now time to address the issue and take appropriate countermeasures.
Further information on the investigation and evaluation of technical measures to reduce heat stress in cattle can be found on the website of the Bavarian State Research Centre for Agriculture (LfL).
Author: Katharina Burgmayr, Bavarian State Research Centre for Agriculture