Heat stress has been estimated to cost the dairy industry $897 million, and one of the most effective methods to alleviate heat stress is to cool the cow directly using low-pressure soaking. This article will focus on feedlane soaking but will also touch on other areas where soaking is used.

Long-day lighting for heifers follows the same recommendations as lactating cows. The goal is to provide constant and evenly distributed light levels for a period of 16 to 18 hours of light and six to eight hours of darkness in the barn.

Long-day lighting has shown – both in research and real-world settings – that it can provide increased milk production for a lactating herd. It will require an investment and a commitment to manage the system to see its benefits.