Shade Options For Open Lots

Jul 28, 2015

By Joe Darrington

Heat stress in cattle due to elevated temperature and humidity in the summer months is documented to reduce productivity in dairy cattle. In beef production the losses of production have been slight or imperceptible to most studies. However as stewards of our animals this article will provide you with some points to consider if you would like to develop shaded areas in pens to improve comfort and promote the highest production possible in your animals.

Cattle are exposed to 3 primary heat sources during the day: hot environmental air, direct solar radiation, and heat generation by the body (digestion, breathing, movement, etc). Of these three, two can be easily affected by management decisions in open lot systems: exposure to direct solar radiation and heat generation by the body. Shade structures can significantly reduce the amount of direct solar radiation, improving comfort and maximizing production in your herd.

Humidity plays a role by affecting how easily cattle can get rid of heat energy to the environment through panting and sweating. The higher the humidity, the more difficult it is for the animal to stay cool, and the more important it is to limit solar heat gains.

Types of Open-Wall Shade Structures

Pole type structure with solid roof

($3+/square ft of shade) Solar radiation can be decreased nearly 100% by a structure with a solid roof. Solid roof (steel) structures are usually permanent and must be designed with snow and wind loads in mind. An important consideration is the ability to clean effectively under a permanent structure. Make sure that you are able to get your skid-steer or tractor into and out of the building.

Pole type structure with shade cloth or snow fence

($1-3/square ft of shade) Permanent posts can be placed in the pen and cables run parallel to each other, from post to post, can support either shade cloth or snow fence material to partially block solar radiation (from 30-80% depending on material). The poles should stand at a minimum of 10 ft tall and the shade cloth should remain at a height of 8 ft at the lowest point. The cables and shade cloth can be made to be removable to allow for appropriate pen cleaning and winter storage.

Mobile shade structures

($1.50+/square ft of shade) Several mobile commercial shade structures are available from numerous companies and can be considered especially if not many animals are housed in an area. Mobile structures can also be constructed on-site and can utilize either wood or metal framing on skids to allow for ease of movement.

Trees

Trees, if available, are a time tested shade structure. If they can be incorporated into an open dry lot is a question of creative fencing and patience if planting a stand is of interest. Oak trees, ponderosa pine, and cherry trees should all be avoided as they can be toxic to cattle.

Size Recommendations

Shade recommendations in the literature range from 20 square feet per animal to 48 square feet. That means for a pen of 100 the structure should be from 2000-4800 square feet to be effective. Finding a size that works for your situation will be important in deciding if and how to supply adequate relief from the sun.

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