Beef

Effect of Shelter on Heat and Cold Stress on Feedlot Cattle in Iowa

---

Abstract

Roofed facilities provide feedlot cattle shelter from solar radiation, precipitation, and wind. In warm weather solar radiation can increase heat stress and in colder weather precipitation and wind can increase cold stress. Over a 9 year period providing a roof or shelter would have resulted in 5 percent less days of cold stress according to the wind chill index, 12 percent less days of cold stress as calculated by the cattle comfort index and 17 percent less days of cold stress estimated by the NRC calculations for increased energy requirement based on lower critical temperature. It was calculated there would be 4 percent less days of heat stress by providing a roof or shade to reduce solar radiation in feedlot cattle according to the Cattle Comfort Index. This reduction in cold or heat stress could potentially could increase cattle comfort and performance.

How to Cite:

Euken, R. M., (2016) “Effect of Shelter on Heat and Cold Stress on Feedlot Cattle in Iowa”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 13(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ans_air-180814-479