B.FLT.4016 - Cattle Heat Load Toolbox 2021-2023
The Cattle Heat Load Toolbox (CHLT) alerts feedlot operators of impending adverse weather conditions that could lead to excessive heat load in feedlot cattle.
| Project start date: | 16 June 2021 |
| Project end date: | 01 January 2024 |
| Publication date: | 05 September 2023 |
| Project status: | In progress |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Download Report
(4.1 MB)
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Summary
The Cattle Heat Load Toolbox is web based and provides access to weather and heat load forecasts out one week as well as risk assessment programs. The service is underpinned by 20 years of research into cattle heat load funded by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). This service provides useful and practical information to help feedlot operators manage heat stress in cattle through advanced warning of adverse conditions thus allowing operators time to undertake appropriate actions to mitigate the risk of heat stress.
Objectives
1) Provide daily updates of CHLT website with a seven-day forecast for all parameters
2) Daily issue of alerts during the season
3) Provide a newsletter and training webinars (pre season)
4) Undertake a survey of users (end of season)
5) Deliver a Final Milestone report (end of season)
Key findings
The key achievements for the 2022-2023 season include:
1) Reached the milestones of over 1000 users and 370 sites
2) Delivered over 18,000 alerts via sms and e-mail during the heat season
3) Preseason newsletter, training webinars and end of season survey.
Benefits to industry
The CHLT is an integral part of heat load management at Australian feedlots. The number of subscribers and feedlots that are registering for the service continues to grow every year with a significant increase since the new website was launched in October 2019. Overall, the user base is satisfied with the delivery and performance of the service and see it as an integral part of their strategy to manage heat at their feedlot
MLA action
MLA will continue to invest to achieve the objectives established in the R&D strategy with the Australian Lot Feeding industry.
Future research
Future research will be directed towards achieving the strategic goals of the Australian Lot Feeding industry which may include new modelling and prediction methods.
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For more information Contact Project Manager: Matt Van der Saag |
