Just as people and pets suffer from the effects of summer’s intense heat, cows are also vulnerable to seasonal extremes. Both excessive warmth and humidity can cause a number of symptoms in these farm animals, ranging from mild discomfort to serious distress. With the right garden supplies and tricks of the trade, you can protect your livestock from summer weather concerns. 

How to Help Your Cows Keep Their Cool This Summer

1. Set Up a Sprinkler System

Water is vital to your cows’ wellbeing year-round, but a little extra moisture can be especially helpful during the summer months. Set up a sprinkler system to run in tandem with large fans, creating precipitation that will cool off the cows. 

As one of the most essential garden supplies, sprinklers should be used abundantly on farms. Keep them at least eight feet above the ground and below fans so that they spray water directly over the backs of the animals.

2. Give Them Enough Water

Provide your cows with plenty of pure, dirt-free water to drink. The average cow consumes two gallons per 100 pounds of its body weight on hot days. If the cow is lactating, it will need up to two times that amount. Provide up to three inches of water for each cow in the pen before their trough. This ensures that all of your cows can drink plentifully without robbing their neighbors of clean water.

3. Clear Out the Holding Pen

Manage the holding pen efficiently during those steamy summer days to help cows stay as comfortable as possible. Allow only small groups in the pen at a time to minimize body heat, and take steps to regulate the temperature. Install fans, use shade cloths from the garden supplies store, and turn on sprinklers when it gets hot. Be sure to position the cloths where the sun generates the most heat.
 

Serving the community since 1858, Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center is the leading source for pet and garden supplies in Ohio. The company is proud to offer everything you need to run a safe, healthy, and productive farm, including livestock supplies and horse feed, among many other materials. Visit the website for more information, or call (513) 734-2246 to speak with a representative.