Many farms believe that simply installing fans is enough to avoid heat stress in animals. However, the problem is not only in the temperature, but also in the quality of air distribution. A common mistake is the lack of circulation fans in the center and back of the room. This creates “dead zones” where the air stagnates and overheats.
Another mistake is the incorrect location of fans that do not cover the resting areas of the cows. Some farmers ignore the need to start cooling at +22°C, waiting for the heat to exceed +26°C. This leads to the fact that heat stress develops before it is noticed.
Installing fans that are too powerful without taking into account the direction of the flow is also a common mistake. As a result, strong drafts are created that worsen the comfort of the animals. It is also often forgotten to control the humidity in the cowshed. Excess humidity combined with high temperature is more dangerous than the heat itself.
Some farms are limited to exhaust ventilation only, neglecting supply ventilation. Because of this, polluted air is not fully removed from the premises.
Insufficient use of irrigation systems is another factor in reducing productivity. But irregular maintenance of equipment leads to a drop in cooling efficiency precisely during the peak period. All these mistakes together can reduce milk yields by up to 5 liters of milk per cow per day
12/05/2025