Heat stress occurs when an animal generates and absorbs more heat than it can dissipate through respiration, sweating or active cooling. Rumination generates large amounts of heat, so when a cow is hot, her first response is typically to eat less feed.

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Going from the winter lows to summer highs often leaves cattle without the proper coping mechanisms. Seeing the signs of heat stress and being prepared can help your cattle recover in a safe manner and allow you to mitigate performance and economic loss before it becomes largely impactful.

As we approach the season for weaning calves and introducing new cattle to feedlots, it's crucial to address the issue of stress, which can greatly affect their performance.

Calf hydration isn’t just for hot weather. A year-round plan for feeding water and electrolytes can help calves stay healthy and productive through all seasons and temperatures. Water is key to hydration and for calves, has major effects on starter intake, rumen development and overall health.

Following these four steps for safer winter cattle handling can help take the sting out of winter weather.