Start planning for heat in feedlot

It may be time to start thinking of the summer heat, particularly that first heat event that cattle and folks who manage may not be prepared for. There is a list of some strategies cattle feedlot managers and their crews could begin thinking about as nice weather today turns into heat-stressing weather later.

The list is divided into areas of focus based on cattle type, feeding and watering considerations, and facilities management.

Manage heat based on cattle size, type

• Keep cattle marketing current to avoid excessively heavy cattle.
• Consider extending show lists to include pens that are from 30 to 45 days of initially projected final weight.
• Place cattle with light-colored coats in pens with greater propensity to create heat stress.
• Consider feed adjustments in hot weather

Higher fiber concentrations in feedlot diets lower the peak of heat of fermentation.
Afternoon/evening deliveries prevent excessive heat load.
Avoid challenging cattle to eat more when hot weather is forecast.

Keep the concentrations less than the recommended levels.

Total dissolved solids — 3,000 milligrams per liter
Sulfate — 1,000 milligrams per liter
Nitrite — 33 milligrams per liter
Nitrate — 45 milligrams per liter 
Figure approximate daily water intake by multiplying dry matter intake by 0.75 to render a workable estimate in gallons per head. If dry matter intake is 24 pounds per head daily, projected summer water need is 18 gallons per head daily.

Be sure the water flow rate is adequate. Water flow to meet an 1,800-gallon demand for 100 head is 75 gallons per hour or flow of 1.25 gallons per minute. Plan for cattle daily water needs to be met in six rather than 24 hours, which would mean a flow of five gallons per minute minimum is required in the scenario.

• Cattle access at the water tank should permit 48 inches of linear space per animal and for five percent of the pen population.
• Maintain water quality by regularly cleaning water troughs.
• Stray voltage may be the reason cattle in certain pens underperform. Check for stray voltage.
• Add temporary water tanks if necessary.