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Duration of Heat Exposure and Performance of Beef Cattle

University of California, Davis 95616

Abstract

In hot environments, heat capacity of the animal body, behavioral patterns, and radiant characteristics of the surroundings are important factors in the final productivity of beef cattle. A large heat capacity and cool nights, during which time the stored heat from the day is being radiated to the surroundings, allows dairy cattle to produce at near optimal levels, even though daily maximum temperatures exceed 40 C for a few hours each day (Brody et al., 1955). The relation between low temperature and duration of exposure also has significant effects on feed intake and milk production (MacDonald and Bell, 1958).

Givens, Garrett and Bond (1966) reported that shades in the Sacramento Valley of California were ineffectual in changing weight gains of beef cattle when the average temperature was 22 C, even though the animals used the shades. In their study, average maximum and minimum temperatures were 31 C and 12 C, respectively, from June through September.

¹ Department of Agricultural Engineering.

² Current address: U.S.D.A. Meat Research Facility, Clay Center, Hastings, Nebraska.