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Weather and Shade Effects on Cow Corral Activities

University of California Cooperative Extension, Visalia 93291

ABSTRACT

Visual scanning at 15-min intervals was used to monitor effects of shade forms and weather types on corral activities of cows. The method allowed one person to observe several dozen cows in a large pen, regardless of grouping pattern. Complete ration eating between 0600 and 1800 h was reduced 13% during hot weather, as compared to cool weather in unshaded corrals or pens with 4-m wide solid strip shades and unprotected manger. Hot afternoon fresh-feed eating response was reduced in comparison to cool weather 14% for unshaded corrals and 46% for strip shaded corrals having unprotected mangers. Cows having the strip shade plus a separate shade over the manger or a combined completely shaded free-stall rest and feeding area had double the ad libitum eating between fresh feed offerings during cool or warm weather over animals with unprotected mangers, and the response was tripled in hot weather. The percentage of cows resting or ruminating in the standing position increased linearly as temperatures increased. The effect was most evident for unshaded cows or those with the strip shade and unprotected manger. The percentage of cows drinking water or lingering around the trough without drinking increased in hot weather for unshaded animals. The observation method is taught easily, and results are useful in extension education programs.

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