Some farms in China have installed shading nets or a roof above the calf hutches to prevent heat stress.
drops. As can be seen in some photo examples, these areas are commonly designed with some facilities providing shade and some areas being equipped with cooling fans. Young heifers are the future milking cows of the farm, so any negative factors that can impact their growth and develop- ment – including heat stress – should be avoided at all costs. To do this some farms in China have installed shading nets or a roof above calf hutches, and some have even set up a roof in the outdoor area for the older heifers. Heat, direct sunlight and of course rain can also reduce the quality of feed and water for small heifers, so some farmers have made simple homemade solutions to protect the calf buckets and prevent calf feed or water being negatively impacted by the weather.
Outdoor area for dry cows equipped with shade and fans.
Protecting the future The dry cows and their calves are the future of every farm. If farmers want as much milk as possible from their fresh cows, the young heifers need to grow and develop fast to be best able to take over the role as the milking cows of the future. When the young heifers are harmed by negative factors, like heat stress, they will not grow and develop in the right way and will be less productive when they become milking cows. It is therefore essential to think not only about the milk and feed intake of the heifers and the physical environment they are kept in; it is also imperative to focus on how to keep them comfortable in the summer heat. Reaping the rewards of pre- ventive heat stress tactics will certainly become more appar- ent in the long run with increased growth and development.
Homemade simple solutions to protect the feed.
▶ DAIRY GLOBAL | Volume 8, No. 2, 2021
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