Proven approaches for cooling, water supply, and nutritional management

Install fans in resting and holding areas — at minimum every 3 meters along the feed alley — to maintain continuous airflow across cows.

High-pressure misting systems (evaporative cooling) combined with fans can lower air temperature by 4–8°C and significantly reduce THI inside the barn.

Maximize natural ventilation with open ridge vents and sidewall openings; white or reflective roof coatings can reduce radiant heat gain by up to 30%.

Provide shade in outdoor areas — a minimum of 4–5 m² per cow; trees, shade cloth, or permanent structures are all effective options.

Use sand bedding in freestalls, as sand has lower thermal conductivity than organic bedding materials, helping cows stay cooler when lying down.

Water intake can reach 150–200 liters per cow per day during heat stress — ensuring adequate trough capacity and water flow rate is critical.

Provide at least one water trough per 15–20 cows and clean troughs daily, as cows actively avoid dirty or stale water, especially under heat stress.

Position water sources near the milking parlor exit and throughout resting areas to minimize walking distances during peak heat periods.

Place water troughs in shaded areas and regularly check for proper function, float valves, and adequate flow rates.

Monitor water temperature — cows prefer cooler water (15–20°C), which also aids thermoregulation and increases overall intake.

Shift feeding to cooler parts of the day — early morning and late evening — when cows are more active and willing to eat.

Increase energy density in the ration by adding bypass fat (rumen-protected fat) to offset the reduction in dry matter intake during heat stress.

Supplement sodium bicarbonate (150–200 g/head/day) as a rumen buffer to counteract subacute ruminal acidosis caused by altered feeding patterns.

Increase dietary potassium and sodium to compensate for electrolyte losses through sweating and panting; apply the DCAD (Dietary Cation-Anion Difference) concept.

Push up and re-offer feed multiple times daily, and promptly remove refusals to keep feed fresh and palatable for heat-stressed cows.