Comparison of fan type and effect on dairy cow temperatures on a California dairy during summer conditions

Authors

  • Scott T. Smith Elanco Animal Health 2500 Innovation Way Greenfield, IN 46140
  • Phillip W. Jardon Elanco Animal Health 2500 Innovation Way Greenfield, IN 46140
  • KevinC. Dhuyvetter Elanco Animal Health 2500 Innovation Way Greenfield, IN 46140

Keywords:

heat stress, fan, reproductive performance

Abstract

Heat stress in dairy cattle is an economically important factor on dairy farms. Annual economic losses due to heat stress on US dairies have been estimated at $1.2 billion (Key, 2014). Reproductive performance, especially pregnancies per AI, has been shown to be negatively impacted at body temperatures above 39.1° C (Periera 2013). Multiple factors affect cow cooling effectiveness, including shade/housing type, soakers, and use of fans to aid in evaporative cooling. Fan type in a commercial setting has not been extensively evaluated as to effects on dairy cow heat abatement and was the objective of this study.

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Published

2021-10-09

Issue

Section

Research Summaries