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Reducing water usage to cool cows by applying smart technologies
L T Casarotto1, F X Amaro1, J M Lance1
1Department of Animal Sciences, IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611.
JDS Communications
|March 6, 2026
Summary
An automated smart cooling system effectively reduced heat stress in dry dairy cows, improving dry matter intake and maintaining welfare. This smart cooling system also decreased water usage compared to conventional methods.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Dairy Cattle Management
- Environmental Stress in Livestock
Background:
- Heat stress negatively impacts dairy cow production and welfare.
- Active cooling methods, including shade, ventilation, and soakers, are crucial for mitigating heat stress.
- Automated cooling systems offer potential for improved efficiency and effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of an automated smart cooling system (Agpro) compared to conventional cooling methods for alleviating heat stress in dry dairy cows.
- To assess the impact of different cooling strategies on dry matter intake (DMI), water usage, and physiological parameters.
Main Methods:
- A study involving nulliparous and multiparous pregnant Holstein cows during their dry period.
- Three treatment groups: conventional cooling (CL), smart cooling (SS), and heat stress (HT) without active cooling.
- Measurements included DMI, water intake, water usage, hematocrit, respiration rate, rectal temperature, and vaginal temperature.
Main Results:
- The smart cooling (SS) system effectively cooled cows, comparable to conventional cooling (CL), and superior to the heat stress (HT) group.
- Cows in the HT group exhibited lower DMI and higher respiration rates and temperatures.
- The SS system demonstrated reduced water usage per cow compared to conventional cooling.
Conclusions:
- The automated smart cooling system is as effective as conventional cooling in managing heat stress in dry dairy cows.
- Smart cooling systems offer a more water-efficient approach to heat stress mitigation.
- Implementing smart cooling technology can maintain animal welfare and improve physiological parameters during the dry period.
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