The next step is transporting them in the coolest part of the day, either morning or night. This will help reduce the heat in the trailer. Before adding the animals, take a look at the towing capacity of the truck and trailer that will be used for hauling. Then, it is time to add the animals to the trailer. Hauling as few animals as possible will help with ventilation in the trailer. Keep all of the ventilation holes in the trailer open.
Finally, once the animals are at the fair, open the trailer door and take the animals out calmly. Remember some of the animals have never seen the fairgrounds before, give them time to look around and take in the new building they will be housed in.
When stalling the animals, stand where they will be standing. Do you feel airflow? If not, adding a fan as a source for ventilation is recommended. This will create air movement for people and animals to help remove heat and lower heat stress.
Even with taking steps to manage heat stress on the animals, it might still happen. According to Michigan State University Extension, signs of heat stress include:
- Panting or open-mouth breathing
- Foaming around the mouth
- Increased respiration
- Increased heart rate
- And no interest in food or water
If the animal is experiencing heat stress there are a few options that will help reduce that. Make sure the animal is drinking lots of water. Cooling the animal off with water is an option, but only get the animal wet on the legs and underbelly, so the animal doesn’t go into shock which will make the condition worse. Next, don’t move the animal or create any additional stress around the animal, stay calm. If the animal doesn’t improve, contact the local veterinarian on site. Keep in mind animals with past health problems can be more affected by heat stress than animals with no prior health problems.
Source : umn.edu