Warmer temperatures bring increased risks for feedlot cattle.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, in the last 10 years heat events have created $75 million worth of losses in the cattle industry. Iowa State University Extension Beef Veterinarian Grant Dewell says heat begins to become a risk to cattle once the heat index reaches 90 degrees. According to Dewell, the first sign of stress typically comes in the form of panting, “That’s our first indication that cattle are not dealing well with the heat is that they start panting, because normal cattle don’t pant. Once cattle start to pant, if it’s just minor they can deal with that. But if it gets excessive to the point they are just open mouth breathing, those animals are getting critical as far as they’ve reached their capacity.”

Water is the number one resource to combat heat stress. Dewell recommends three inches of linear water space per head during the summer.