The last few years have produced some challenging weather conditions for UK dairy farmers, with predictions suggesting extreme weather events may become more common place.With summer approaching, Wynnstay and QLF look at how molasses can help reduce your heat stress losses.
Signs of heat stress include panting more than 80 breaths per minute, reduced laying times and activity, with cows seeking shade. Dry Matter Intake (DMI) decreases, 68-78 DMI will drop 9.6% (Bouraoui et al) and decline in milk production.
Cows are often moved between groups in accordance with their management needs. During each move, the cow needs to re-establish her rank within the groups pecking order. The cows’ rank is associated with their age, body size and seniority of the cow i.e. a heifer in her first lactation will be of low rank.
