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Related Experiment Videos

Weather and shade effects on cow corral activities.

T A Shultz

    Journal of Dairy Science
    |April 1, 1984
    PubMed
    Summary

    Shade structures significantly impact cow behavior and feeding habits, especially in hot weather. Providing adequate shade, particularly over feeding areas, increases feed intake and reduces heat-related stress in cattle.

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    Area of Science:

    • Animal Science
    • Environmental Management
    • Behavioral Science

    Background:

    • Cattle welfare and productivity are influenced by environmental conditions, particularly heat stress.
    • Shade availability is a critical factor affecting animal behavior and physiological responses in confined feeding operations.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the impact of different shade structures and weather conditions on the activity and feeding behavior of cows in corrals.
    • To assess the effectiveness of various shade designs in mitigating heat stress and improving animal welfare.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized visual scanning at 15-minute intervals to monitor cow activities in corrals under varying shade conditions and weather types.
    • Quantified feed intake, resting behavior, and water consumption in relation to shade provision and ambient temperature.

    Main Results:

    • Complete ration intake decreased by 13% in hot weather compared to cool weather in unshaded corrals.
    • Hot afternoon fresh-feed intake was reduced by 14% in unshaded and 46% in strip-shaded corrals with unprotected mangers.
    • Cows with comprehensive shade over resting and feeding areas showed doubled and tripled feed intake compared to those with unprotected mangers, especially in hot weather.
    • Increased ambient temperature led to a linear increase in cows resting or ruminating while standing, particularly in unshaded or poorly shaded conditions.
    • Water intake and trough lingering increased in hot weather for unshaded cows.

    Conclusions:

    • Effective shade design, especially covering feeding areas, is crucial for maintaining adequate feed intake and reducing heat stress in cattle.
    • The observed behavioral changes highlight the importance of shade provision for animal welfare and productivity in agricultural settings.
    • The visual scanning method is a practical and easily teachable tool for monitoring cattle behavior in extension education programs.

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