Livestock producers are encouraged to watch for signs of heat stress with extreme temperatures forecast across the Midwest this week.
Iowa State University Extension beef veterinarian Grant Dewell says because cattle have such a large body surface area, the heat from the sun can change circulation away from the skin.
“Which means that sweating no longer works, so then they have to start panting kind of like a dog does.”
He tells Brownfield most cattle can pant and be okay, but if they stop closing their mouth completely producers need to take action.
