Managing in the heat
Hot season strategies
How much water do cows need in hot weather?
Allow for 200 - 250 litres per cow per day in hot weather - double what cows usually need each day. Make sure cows have access to plenty of cool drinking water wherever they are during the day.
- A big water trough on the exit side of the dairy is a must.
- Provide a minimum of 0.75m water trough space per cow at your feed-out facility.
- Water pipes should be 75mm in diameter, with suddicient pressure to provide 20 litres per cow per hour, so that troughs cope with periods of peak demand.
Review current practices. What could you change?
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Low risk
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Moderate risk
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High risk
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I have a big water trough at the exit side of the dairy with a
good flow rate and pressure.
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Yes
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No
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I have water troughs in/near all paddocks with a good flow
rate and pressure.
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Yes
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No
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Be sure to allow for 200 - 250 litres per cow per day in hot weather.
