Impact of Shade in Beef Feed Yards on Performance, Body Temperature, and Heat Stress

Authors

Tommy M. Winders, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Bradley M. Boyd, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Casey Macken, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Andrea K. Watson, University of Nebraska at LincolnFollow
J. C. MacDonald, West Texas A&M University & University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2020

Citation

The Board Regents of the University of Nebraska. All rights reserved.

Comments

2020 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

Abstract

A study using crossbred steers was conducted at a commercial feedyard in Eastern NE to determine the effects of shade on cattle performance, ear temperature, panting scores, and cattle activity. Cattle with shade had greater dry matter intake, average daily gain and lower panting scores while movement and ear temperature were not different between treatments. Over the course of the experiment three weather events were selected to be analyzed separately (two heat events and one cool event) based on wind adjusted temperature- humidity index. Providing shade during heat event 1 resulted in greater intakes and lower panting scores, while providing shade during heat event 2 resulted in lower panting scores compared to non- shaded cattle. During the cool event, greater intakes and lower panting scores were observed for shaded cattle, although panting scores were low for both treatments. Providing shade for cattle improved intakes and average daily gains while mitigating some effects of heat stress.