As warm weather increases, it’s essential to watch for signs of heat stress. To make this easier, we’ve created a Heat Index Chart to help you evaluate the potential for heat stress.

Cattle perform their best between temperatures of 55 and 65 degrees F. It becomes a challenge to maintain performance in this range when weather is not constant.

Summer months livestock producers face heat stress challenge due to high temperatures and humidity. Whether the animal is a lactating dairy cow or a 1,200 lb. feedlot animal, there is no relief from the heat and humidity prevalent in the summer.




The Temperature-Humidity Index, or THI, can be used as a tool to evaluate heat stress. A combination point of temperature and humidity provides a THI value. When THI values are between 72 and 86, physical signs of heat stress with cattle are visible. When the THI is greater than 86, severe heat stress can be exhibited. Cattle in transition, three weeks before calving can be highly affected with heat stress. Care must be given to cattle in sick pens.

Observe the signs of heat stress with all cattle. Refer back to the visual and non visual signs of heat stress for dairy cows using Hydro-Lac and Beef Hydro-Lac for more information.

Contact us for more information.  Our team is ready to help answer your questions, assess the needs of your livestock or animals, or help you find your local distributor.