Heat stress mitigation strategies used by midwestern cattle feeders

Abstract

The objective of this survey was to obtain descriptive data and cattle feeders’ perceptions regarding facilities and heat stress (HS) mitigation strategies. Feedlot managers (n = 46) from South Dakota (SD; n = 21), Minnesota (MN; n = 6), and Nebraska (NE; n = 19) were surveyed regarding facilities, management, and perceptions of HS mitigation strategies. The SD and MN responses were combined (MN/SD) for summarization. Open yards (OY) were the most commonly reported facility, particularly in NE, where OY were reported by 100% of participants and comprised 90% of facility types. Facility types in MN/SD were more diverse, with OY, total barn confinement, and partially covered comprising 49, 30, and 21% of all facility types, respectively. Shades and sprinklers were used in 79 and 100% of NE OY, respectively, compared with 32 and 86% of MN/SD OY, respectively. Feed deliveries were adjusted in summer by 37 and 30% of NE and MN/SD managers, respectively. All respondents avoided unnecessary cattle handling during HS events. Shades or buildings were perceived as successful by 63 and 56% of respondents from NE and MN/SD, respectively, whereas water application was deemed effective by 32 and 63% from NE and MN/SD, respectively. Shades structures were named by 63% of respondents from both regions as the most desirable HS mitigation measure, followed by confinement buildings (16 and 18% for NE and MN/SD, respectively). Midwest cattle feeders use multiple approaches to mitigate HS, with those providing shade deemed most desirable.