When summer temperatures spike, livestock owners often focus their heat mitigation efforts on feedlots. However, cattle grazing on pasture are also highly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.
According to Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension forage systems educator, keeping pasture animals safe requires proactive management.
“Heat stress is often talked about with feedlot cattle, but animals on pasture can be at risk too,” Beckman warns in a recent UNL Beef Watch article. “All livestock can struggle when high temperatures, humidity, low wind and warm nights stack together.”
To protect your herd, Beckman suggests producers prioritize these five pasture management strategies:
1. Optimize Livestock Water Access
Water is your first line of defense during a summer heat wave. When temperatures rise, a herd’s water demand can spike almost instantly.
Beckman advises cattle producers to inspect water systems before a heat wave begins, rather than reacting once animals are already showing signs of distress.
“Make sure tanks are clean, water flow is adequate and animals have enough space to drink without crowding,” Beckman explains. “Weak flow or limited tank space can lead to bunching, and bunching adds heat.”
2. Manage Shade Wisely
While shade is beneficial, poor shade distribution can inadvertently worsen heat stress by encouraging cattle to crowd too closely together.
“Natural shade from trees can be valuable, but it can also concentrate animals in one area,” Beckman explains. “If shade is limited, cattle may bunch tightly, reduce airflow, damage grass and avoid grazing.”
To prevent this, ensure that water tanks, shade structures and premium grazing zones are spaced apart so they do not force livestock into a single, crowded area during peak heat hours.
3. Maximize Airflow and Wind Exposure
Wind and air movement are critical natural cooling mechanisms for grazing livestock. Producers should evaluate pasture topography and move cattle to higher, open ground on stifling days.
“Pastures with draws, heavy tree cover or low areas may have less airflow, especially on still, humid days,” Beckman notes. “Watch where animals are spending time and whether they have room to spread out.”
4. Implement Strong Fly Control
Flies do more than irritate livestock — they directly contribute to heat stress by altering cattle behavior. When pests attack, cattle naturally bunch together, stamp and stand in tight groups, raising their collective body temperature.
“Good fly control will not eliminate heat stress, but it can reduce one more reason animals crowd together,” Beckman points out.
5. Adjust Handling and Hauling Schedules
Physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day can be fatal for heat-stressed cattle. Plan any necessary herd movements, shipping or veterinary work during the coolest parts of the day.
“Avoid handling, hauling or rotating livestock during the heat of the day,” Beckman advises. “If animals need to be moved or worked, do it early in the morning and keep it quiet and low stress.”
How do you identify heat stress in pasture cattle?
Beckman says identifying the early warning signs of heat stress is critical because treatment options become highly limited once severe symptoms set in. He encourages producers to watch their herd closely for the following signs:
- Open-mouth breathing or panting
- Heavy salivation and drooling
- Restlessness and inability to settle
- Abnormal bunching or crowding
- Standing around water sources or shade in tight groups
