The KCII-listening area is under an excessive heat warning through Saturday night, make sure your cattle are managing the heat.

According to the USDA cattle heat stress forecast, there is an emergency-level risk for cattle in Washington County through Saturday night. The heat index will range from 105 to 115 degrees.

Iowa State University Extension Beef Veterinarian Grant Dewell says cattle can become susceptible to heat stress once the heat index reaches 90 degrees. Dewell adds, the first sign cattle will show when they’re getting too warm is 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.”

Making sure cows have an excess of water is the best way to keep them cool during high temperatures. Dewell recommends at least three inches of linear water space per cow.