ABSTRACT The performance, health, and well being of cattle are strongly affected by climate. Almost annually, heat waves and/or periods of severe winter weather cause significant losses in one or more regions of the United States. In the past 10 yr, economic losses in the feedlot industry alone averaged between $10 million to $20 million/year as a result of adverse climatic conditions. For each animal that dies from climatic stress, corresponding economic losses approach $5,000 due to mortality and associated live animal performance losses. Management systems are needed that incorporate information and guidelines regarding cattle responses to weather challenges. Altering the microclimate by providing protection from the environment is one of the most useful tools to help animals cope with climatic conditions. For most cattle, facilities and management programs do not need to eliminate environmental stress completely, but rather minimize the severity of the environmental challenge and aid the animal in adapting to it. Inexpensive management alternatives, such as the use of bedding in winter or sprinklers in summer, need to be considered. When designing or modifying facilities, it is important that changes made to minimize impact of the environment in one season do not result in adverse effects on animals in another season. For instance, using permanent wind barriers to minimize cold stress in the winter for feedlot cattle may require that shade or sprinklers be provided in the summer to minimize heat stress. In addition to facility changes, dietary manipulation may be beneficial for cattle challenged by environmental conditions.
Implications
Beef cattle are traditionally managed outdoors with exposure to natural and variable environmental conditions. Cattle are particularly vulnerable not only to extreme environmental conditions, but also to rapid changes in these conditions. Management alternatives, such as the strategic use of wind protection and bedding in the winter or sprinklers and shade in the summer, need to be considered to help cattle cope with adverse conditions. In addition to these changes, manipulation of diet energy density and intake may also be beneficial for cattle challenged by environmental conditions. Algorithms designed to predict effects of environmental conditions on dry matter intake and maintenance energy requirements can be used with currently accepted prediction equations to better define and predict impact of the environment on beef cattle.
Key Words: Beef Cattle, Environment, Feed Intake, Management Alternatives, Stress
© 2003, by the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved.
J. Anim. Sci. 2003. 81(E. Suppl. 2):E110-E119
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