How to Protect Animals from Heat Stress?
With the arrival of summer, rising temperatures become overwhelming not only for humans but also for animals, posing a serious health risk. Especially cattle (ruminants) and poultry are highly sensitive to high temperatures and humidity levels. Due to this sensitivity, consequences such as decreased feed intake, reduced milk and egg productivity, weakened immune systems, and even increased mortality rates can be observed. This condition, known as heat stress, is a major factor threatening animal welfare and farm productivity.
As protection and preventive measures against heat stress in animals during hot weather are highly important, we at İntegro Gıda have compiled the most effective methods for you.
What Is Heat Stress and How Does It Occur?
Before moving on to the methods of protecting against and preventing heat stress, it is more appropriate to first address how heat stress occurs. This condition, which is especially common in the summer months, is triggered by environmental factors such as high air temperatures, increased humidity, and insufficient air circulation, all of which make it difficult for animals to lose excess heat. When animals struggle to regulate their body temperature, “heat stress” occurs. For more detailed information, you can read our content titled "How Does Heat Stress Occur?"
How to Protect Your Animals from Heat Stress?
Improve Shelter / Farm Conditions
The temperature of the environment your animals live in and how it is controlled is one of the most important steps in combating heat stress. You can protect animals in open areas from sunlight by using natural and artificial shading. Use effective ventilation systems in areas such as barns and coops. Fans will cool the environment by increasing airflow. You can reduce the direct impact of sunlight on shelters with insulation materials that provide heat protection.
Ensure Continuous Access to Clean Water
Animals’ water needs increase during hot weather just like humans. Dehydration is one of the greatest dangers when fighting heat stress. Therefore, your animals must always have access to clean, fresh, and abundant water. You can ensure uninterrupted access by installing automatic watering systems. You should regularly check your water sources and not neglect their cleaning.
Nutritional Support Increases Resistance, Don’t Neglect It
High temperatures will cause a decrease in your animals’ feed intake. As a result, their energy will be depleted, and their resistance will quickly decline. You can prefer rations with increased energy and protein density, and turn to feed and feed additive products that provide necessary vitamins, minerals, and supplements. This way, you help your animals maintain their body balance. Using probiotic and prebiotic additives that strengthen the immune system and support the digestive system will also be beneficial. For your cattle and small ruminants, you can choose our Rumisacc, inteBuffer, and ecoSacc products. They will support you and your animals in coping with heat stress.
You Can Activate Early Warning Systems
Detecting the factors that cause heat stress early and monitoring the symptoms will increase the chance of timely intervention. For this purpose, you can regularly monitor conditions by using temperature and humidity measuring devices in environments such as barns and shelters. If you notice observable signs of heat stress in your animals, you can seek support from veterinarians if necessary.
Get Support from Integro Gıda
We are here with beneficial solutions as İntegro Gıda to support your animals facing heat stress and other challenges during the summer season. Our feed additive solutions, produced using special technologies, provide you with support through problem-solving, benefit-driven products.
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