Dry Spell Induces Heat Stress On Livestock

by Gloria Lourdes S. Parreñas

Iloilo (Feruary 17, 2010)— As the El Niño phenomenon progresses and the temperature rises, livestock farmers should be mindful of stress the heat can put on animals. According to Director Larry Nacionales of the Department of Agriculture 6, farmers should not take this dry spell lightly but take strategic actions and start bracing themselves for the unexpected during the next two to three months. The phenomenon is expected to last until July of this year.

In Western Visayas, the livestock sector established that keeping livestock especially cattle and other domestic animals comfortable under hot conditions is important to maintaining animal health. The heat can impact any animal, but dairy cattle are more susceptible because of their high metabolism.

Studies conducted by the livestock sector show that dairy cattle are already generating heat for milk production and additional environmental heat can just make them more stressful. Heat stress can affect health, fertility, and milk production, which eventually affects the yield of our livestock producers.

In addition, stress can increase a cow’s susceptibility to diseases like digestive disorders, and can also create fertility problems, thus, it is difficult to get heat-stressed cows pregnant or keep them pregnant.

The agriculture sector as well as attached bureaus and agencies in the region are advised to take adaptive measures should the situation becomes more severe. Signs of heat stress include rapid respiration, laying or standing with mouths open with or without hanging tongues, and excessive salivation.

For livestock farmers, enough water must be stored in their pens so that animals do not have to go far to get access to drinking water. Farmers should also make sure that the place where the animals stay is comfortable enough and well-ventilated.

Livestock producers can help minimize heat stress on cattle by following the recommended tips provided by the DA. Farmers are encouraged to seek immediate assistance at the nearest agriculture offices in their respective areas whether it is for crops or livestock.　

(Much more the DA personnel must visit the farmers in their farms to provide assistance. They are paid for the service.) /MP