Heat stress

Excessive heat load (EHL), or heat stress, describes the situation where lotfed livestock, primarily cattle, are not able to dissipate body heat effectively and their body temperature rises above normal.

EHL initially leads to reduced feed intake and production losses but can, in extreme cases, lead to tissue organ damage and death.

The factors that contribute to body heat load in cattle are complex and include environmental conditions and animal characteristics.

Environmental conditions

A combination of two or more of the following conditions can lead to EHL in Australian lotfeed cattle:

• Recent rainfall.
• A high ongoing minimum and maximum ambient temperature.
• A high ongoing relative humidity.
• An absence of cloud cover with a high solar radiation level.
• Minimal air movement over an extended period (4-5 days).
• A sudden change to adverse climatic conditions.

Animal characteristics

Some cattle are more susceptible to EHL than other cattle:

• Breed - Bos indicus cattle eg Brahman are more heat tolerant than Bos Taurus eg Angus (Genetic variations also exist within breeds).
• Coat colour and type - cattle with lighter coat colour tend to be more tolerant of heat.
• Body condition - heavier cattle tend to be more susceptible to EHL.
• Adaptation - cattle will adapt to heat provided the temperature change is gradual.
• Health - cattle with a prevailing health condition are less able to cope with changes in temperature.

Managing EHL

Feedlot operators can minimise the heat load burden placed on animals during hot conditions by implementing a range of management strategies. These must be planned in advance and implemented in unison - activities undertaken in isolation and not as part of a broader approach are rarely effective.

There are three main components to an effective EHL management plan:

1. A pre-summer review of the feedlot's preparedness for an EHL event.

This should include:

2. The development of a summer management program to reduce the risk of an EHL event and allow early detection of an event.

3. The preparation and implementation of an EHL event strategy when an EHL event is forecast or occurs.

A proactive approach to the management of EHL is more effective than a reactive response once an EHL event has occurred.

More information

• MLA Tips & Tools that address head load or heat stress in feedlot cattle.
• The Australian Lot Feeders' Association is the peak national body for the beef cattle feedlot industry in Australia.
• The National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme is the quality assurance program for Australian beef cattle feedlots.