As summer temperatures creep up over 90°F (32°C), heat stress can negatively impact calf health and performance. Heat stress causes increased respiration and body temperature, rapid dehydration and reduced immune system function. In addition, the calf’s maintenance energy requirement is elevated – similar to the effects of cold stress. According to Dr. Dave Cook, technical service manager at Milk Products, LLC, “In cold weather, calves burn more energy to keep themselves warm, while in hot weather they burn more energy keeping themselves cool. Both calf growth and health can be negatively affected if heat stress is not managed.”