3 Barn Additions for Keeping Cattle Cool
In the hot Arizona summer months, finding ways to keep your cattle cool is essential. Fortunately, there are several devices that you can use to help keep your cattle cool and comfortable in the heat. Here is a look at just a few and how to use them.
Fans
Fans help to remove radiant heat, thereby keeping your cattle cooler. When using a fan, choose those that are 36 to 48 inches wide and place them 8 feet off of the ground. Your fans should be spaced 20 feet apart and placed at an angle of 15 to 25 degrees down toward the ground in order to offer continual air flow.
Sprinklers
Sprinklers should be placed over the feed alley and used in combination with fans. In this way, they can effectively use evaporation to help keep the cows cool. Sprinklers should be placed just below the fans at 8 feet off of the ground. They should have a 180 spray with a 10 psi water flow placed over the cow’s backs. Sprinklers should be set to run for about 3 minutes and then turn off for 15 minutes before spraying again.
MistersMisters may also be a good option in the Arizona dry heat. Misters should be attached to fan systems over the beds so they can provide a fine spray to assist with cooling through evaporation.