Animal Science, Department of
Date of this Version
1-1-2002
Abstract
Six heifers were housed in controlled environmental stalls. All heifers were sprinkled with water between 1300 - 1500 hours for three days followed by a two-day period in which three were sprinkled between 1200 - 1600 hours and three were not. This was followed by a one day hot period during which all heifers were sprinkled (1300 - 1500 hours). Rectal temperature and respiration rate were reduced in all animals during the first three days of heat stress. On days four and five, heifers sprinkled four hours had lower rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate than heifers which were not sprinkled. Comparison of rectal temperature on days one - three vs day six of heat stress revealed heifers not sprinkled on days four - five were higher on day six vs days one - three. Sprinkling cattle effectively alters physiological responses to heat stress and improves dry matter intake.
Comments
Published in 2002 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2001 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.