First aid for heat stress in dairy goats

Heat stress in dairy goats occurs due to an imbalance between the production of metabolic heat and the dissipation of this heat, particularly in high temperatures and humid conditions. This leads to increased heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature, directly affecting the goats. The result is reduced feed intake, decreased milk production, milk protein, and milk fat, and an increased risk of rumen acidosis.

Sensitive to Heat
Dairy goats can experience heat stress starting at 22°C combined with high relative humidity. The thermoneutral zone for goats is relatively low, between 15-20°C with 40-45% relative humidity, making them highly sensitive to heat.

To achieve maximum milk production, a high dry matter intake is necessary. However, a lot of heat is released during rumen fermentation, which the animals find difficult to dissipate. This explains why high-producing animals with high feed intake are more sensitive to heat stress.

How Can You Mitigate the Effects of Heat Stress?

Water

• Access to Fresh Water: Ensure dairy goats have unlimited access to fresh and clean drinking water. Daily cleaning of water troughs is essential.
• Adequate Water Troughs: Provide at least one water trough per 25 dairy goats. Tap water is preferred due to its generally consistent and better quality.

Nutrition

• Feeding Times: Preferably feed twice a day, during the cooler parts of the day (early morning and evening).
• Fresh and Palatable Diet: Allow for more leftover feed. Pay close attention to silage management to prevent heating.
• Use of inoculant: Consider using a silage inoculant. Consult with your Vitalvé rep for an appropriate choice.
• Rumen Support: Support the rumen by adding a rumen buffer to your diet. Buffers can help maintain rumen pH when the goat is experiencing heat stress. There are many options for rumen buffers; your Vitalvé rep can help you make the right choice.
• Energy-Dense Diet: Ensure a diet with increased energy density so the goat can intake sufficient energy even with reduced feed intake.

Management

• Rest: A goat benefits from as much rest as possible, which is crucial during the hot summer months. Consider this when planning activities.
• Extra Cleaning: Regularly cleaning the pens reduces heat production from the bedding.

Climate

• Ventilation: Install fans, preferably frequency-controlled ones, that adjust gradually with the temperature. Place the sensor in the middle of the barn, outside the airflow of a fan, for optimal performance.
• Waiting Area: Also consider ventilation in the waiting area for the milking parlor.
• Sprinklers: Consider sprinklers on fans for cool airflow in the barn. Additionally, sprinklers on non-insulated roofs can help lower barn temperature.

Heat stress in dairy goats can severely impact their welfare and milk production. By taking the right measures, you can significantly reduce the impact of heat stress. Download our Barn card for heat stress, so you always have our tips at hand.