How Does Stock Salt Affect Heat Stress in Cattle?
We’re not the only ones feeling the heat of Midwest summers — cattle do too. Unlike us, they can't just head for the nearest air-conditioned room. Farmers must step in to ensure their cattle stay cool amid heat and humidity. Read on to learn about heat stress in cattle and why stock salt used for feed-mixing may be the most effective cooling measure.
What is Heat Stress in Cattle?
Cattle produce heat by digesting feed and producing milk. They also absorb heat from the sun while grazing. Heat stress occurs when they absorb more heat than their bodies can distribute. This condition leads to a myriad of problems, such as low food intake, reduced weight gain and health complications. In extreme cases, heat stress may even lead to death.
Throughout the summer, farmers must closely monitor herds and act fast if they suspect heat stress. The most common signs of heat stress to look out for include:
Excessive Panting
Extended Necks
High Respiration Rates
High Cattle Body Temperatures
Low Milk Production
How Do You Combat Heat Stress?
Cattle produce more heat than we do due to the sheer amount of food they eat in a day. As such, heat stress in cattle may occur at temperatures as low as 65°F. Farmers must have effective cooling measures in place throughout the summer to ensure these animals remain both healthy and productive.
Beyond adding stock salt to their feed, some of the most common cooling practices include:
Keeping shade readily available. Shade from barns and pole sheds helps cattle regulate their temperature. However, keep in mind that overcrowding may also contribute to heat stress. Experts recommend providing 40 square feet of shade per animal.
Maintaining proper ventilation. Fans, vents and other features maintain air flow and velocity in farm structures. Experts recommend keeping these features properly maintained throughout the summer months.
Cooling with water. Sprinklers and misters may cool down cattle’s bodies directly or cool the air around them. Both methods increase the air’s relative humidity, meaning they must be paired with proper ventilation to avoid overwhelming the animals.
Providing drinking water. In extreme temperatures, cattle lose water by panting and sweating. They must regularly replace lost water through drinking water. Experts recommend that farmers provide at least 3.5 linear inches of water space per animal.
What Does Stock Salt Do?
Stock salt, also known as feed-mixing salt, is a common supplement to cattle feed. Either in salt blocks or as a main ingredient in feed, minerals regulate body temperature by drawing water into individual cells. This ultimately helps cattle dissipate heat through their skin, transport heat away from their organs and absorb additional heat generated during metabolic reactions.
By eating feed mixed with stock salt, animals become thirsty and drink even more water. This effectively prevents dehydration and mitigates the effects of heat stress in cattle. Put simply, using supplementary salt is integral to keeping your cattle happy, healthy and hydrated.
Where Can I Get Stock Salt?
Countless agricultural organizations choose Gunther Salt Company for high-quality stock salt. Currently, Gunther Salt fulfills orders in individual 50# bags, 1-ton tote bags (supersacks) or 20-25 ton bulk truck deliveries. More than that, our team provides quick, efficient service for each order, so you get the products you need quickly this summer.
Bulk and bag orders of salt may be placed online on our bulk ordering page. For all orders, contact a Gunther Salt representative at orders@gunthersalt.com or 314-241-7075.
Gunther Salt’s toll-free number is 1-800-873-7258. For specific sales questions, please send an email to sales@gunthersalt.com.
