During a busy routine schedule at a dairy farm, calves can be easily overlooked, and that is the biggest mistake a farmer can make. The future performance of a heifer is well-linked with her performance during the preweaning period, and being negligent during this period will translate into a less productive and profitable cow.

Research shows that cooling late-gestation dry cows leads not only to healthier calves but also offers advantages in long-term reproduction and milking performance of those offspring. Many studies show that heat stress during the dry period reduces a cow’s feed intake and weakens her immunity, resulting in a less efficient transition from gestation to lactation.