2006-07-14
By: Chris Teetaert

 

With warm weather hitting us square in the face it's time to stop and remember to take care of our livestock.

Dr. Doug Bazinet from Bazinet Livestock Health Services says large animals have their own ways of dealing with hot temperatures.

Cattle sweat a bit but most of their cooling comes from respiration, and pigs only lose heat radiating it from their bodies or through breathing.

But sometimes producers need to take action to help them through the heat.

The biggest things you can do is provide enough water, keep barns well ventilated and move animals into the shade.

Bazinet explains sometimes when an animal has gone through a stressful time like giving birth they are more prone to overheating.

If they are showing signs like rapid or gasping breathing, the best remedy is to wet them down with cold water.