Keeping livestock cool during the hot summer months is essential. Otherwise, dehydration, sunstroke, and other issues begin to develop and can jeopardize the health of your herd. Help the animals maintain a comfortable temperature by stocking up on livestock supplies and implementing the following steps.

3 Steps for Keeping Livestock Cool During the Summer

1. Provide Plenty of Water

While there’s a watering trough in the paddock, it might not be enough to sustain the herd during a heat wave. Animals that are showing signs of lethargy, disorientation, or appetite loss may be experiencing a lack of hydration. Purchase containers from the livestock supplies shop and spread them out along the fence, filling them throughout the day as needed. This will ensure that there’s plenty of water available for the animals to consume to prevent dehydration.

2. Install Additional Ventilation

Barns tend to heat up at a rapid rate on a hot summer day. Opening the doors at either end might not be enough to increase ventilation. Add a few more windows and air vents to the structure or purchase a barn fan. This will increase circulation throughout the stalls.

3. Set Up Outdoor Shelters

Animals still need exercise, no matter how high the temperature is outdoors. Before letting them out into the pasture, secure materials from your livestock supplies center and construct up a few open-air shelters within the fields. Make sure that they’re big enough to house a few animals at a time and add a watering trough to each one. This will help to prevent long exposure to the sun and could protect sensitive skin from developing sunburn.

If you’re in the market for additional livestock supplies, reach out to the professionals at Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center. They are one of the oldest feed mills in the state of Ohio, and they stock an assortment of waterers, field fencing, and other farm supplies. Their staff helps their customers find what they need, whether it is organic feed or custom feed blends. Visit their website for a comprehensive look at their products, and call (513) 734-2246 to ask about custom feed options.