Climate change's increases in temperature and humidity are expected to impact your livestock more now than at any other time.
Research by science direct shows some worrying trends caused by heat stress on livestock:
- Economic losses across major livestock industries in the United States at $897 million per year
- Low productivity
The good news is that there is a strategy to reduce heat stress in your livestock - livestock sunshade.
But first, let's see the importance of livestock sunshade.
Importance of Cow Shade
If you are a livestock farmer, you will reap the benefits of having a cow shade.
Improved Comfort for Your Cows
You won't like to see your cattle stressed out there, and that's what good cattle farming is all about. So, providing livestock sunshades to reduce heat stress is good livestock management. Cattle without shelter must put more energy into normal functioning and less into production.
If you're making those cattle comfortable, let them get out there and do what they need to do: grazing.
Increased Productivity of Your Cows
Studies show that cows' productivity is affected by heat stress.
Cooler cows are more productive:
A study by the University of Kentucky on heat stress shows daily cow weight gains of
- 1.25 pounds for cows,
- 0.41 pounds for calves
- 0.89 pounds for steers
A similar study by the University of Missouri found that
- Cows gained 0.72 pounds more per day than unshaded ones.
- Availability of shade also
- Increase milk production by 10 - 19 %
- Improves rates of conception in cows by almost 20%.
When stressed by heat, cattle eat less and fail to gain weight. So, with cow shade, you can improve your production.
Managing Your Cattle under Heat
Shade
Your cows lose heat by respiration and evaporation. If you provide livestock sunshades to your cows, you reduce their extra heat load by 50 percent.
You can build a shade structure from cow shade cloth or corrugated iron. If you choose corrugated iron, it should be painted white to reflect sun rays.
Feed intake
You can feed your cows with quality feed with low fibers because it leads to heat load on the animal.
Water
Livestock increase their water intake during extreme heat conditions. Therefore, concrete water troughs should be placed around the farm under shade.
Animal Movement and handling
If you are transporting your livestock, do it on warmer days. Avoid overcrowding animals, as this increases heat stress.
During extreme heat conditions, it is better to keep animals in grazing areas that are close by to ensure fewer distances of moving back.
Cows at Higher Risk of Heat Stress
Your cows are at the highest risk of heat stress if they are:
- Fat
- Young
- Dark-colored
- Sick
- High-yielding dairy cows
Cow Shade Suitable During Hot Weather
The best type of livestock shade screen protects your cattle from the sun while allowing the cooling effect of the wind.
You can have options for cow shade in hot weather, such as:
- Livestock sun shade constructed using shade cloth or iron sheet
- Shadebelts
- Large canopy trees planted in the field
Cattle Shade Cloth Material for Your Cows
Cow shade cloth is made from knitted polyethylene fabric. The main features are:
- Easy to install and remove
- Recyclable and environmentally friendly
- Cows shade cloth is available with grommets to save you time and money,
- UV stabilized to reduce sun exposure for safe and extended time outdoors
- Offered in 30% - 80% densities to meet your specific livestock use
- Wide range of sizes to keep livestock cooler.
- Strong HDPE won’t rot or absorb moisture.
How to Buy Shade Cloth Material?
You can purchase Cow Shade cloth in bulk in a variety of widths.
For instance, at Eyouagro Eyouagro, you get cow shade cloth with grommets and hemmed for your convenience.
Besides, your livestock sunscreen can be customized to suit your specifications.
What is Shade Percentage for livestock?
Shade percentage refers to the amount of sunlight blocked by livestock shade cloth. It is important for providing the right balance of protection and ventilation for livestock. Here’s how it works:
- Higher percentages (e.g., 80%-90%) block more sunlight, offering better heat protection, which is ideal for hot climates.
- Lower percentages (e.g., 50%-70%) allow more light to pass through, providing sufficient shade while maintaining airflow for cooler environments.
Choosing the right shade percentage helps reduce heat stress and keeps livestock comfortable, improving overall health and productivity.
For instance, if you have 80% shade, only 20% of light passes through it.
The following are recommended livestock sun shade density requirements.
| Type of Animal | Shade in square feet per head (ft2/HD) |
| 400 Pound calves | 23 |
| 800 Pound feeders | 32 |
| Beef cows | 40 |
| Dairy cows | 50 |
| Mature swine | 20 |
| Horses | 60 |
| Small ruminant | 8 |
Constructing a Livestock Sun Shade
You can construct cow shade with:
- Durable materials to last over a life of 10 years.
- Livestock sunshade can be replaced within its lifespan.
- Dispose or recycle worn-out cow shade material as appropriate.
You should ensure the design of the top of the livestock sunshade is flat. This is to allow the minimum load on the supports. Provide an appropriate pitch for your structure roof to allow runoff.
Lastly, Anchor the four corners of your shade structure with tie-downs of adequate size and strength to meet the local wind conditions.
The size requirements for individual shade structure units are 25 feet wide by 50 feet in length.
For portable structures, you may use smaller sizes to allow movement. If you have many animals to be sheltered, use many structures depending on your livestock be sheltered.
What Accessories Go with Cattle Shade Material?
Tie-downs are used with cow-shade cloth that has grommets. For shade cloth without grommets, cow shade clips can be used to attach it to structures or wire supports.
Use also Net connecting pins to fix your cow shade.
Several additional cow shade cloth accessories are available here, to request more information please contact us and a knowledgeable team will assist you in choosing the right accessories for your cow shade structure.
Conclusion
Cow protection against heat is essential. If you use shade cloth, it will protect your plants. Giving your plants an umbrella to protect themselves will bring you expected benefits. Therefore, acquire a cattle sunshade if you are looking for ways to improve your cattle's productivity and comfort.
Keep Your Cows Cool and Comfortable with the Right Shade Solutions!
Managing heat stress is essential for the well-being and productivity of your cows. At EyouAgro, we offer high-quality shade cloths designed to provide optimal cooling, ensuring your livestock stay healthy and stress-free.
Want to learn more about cooling solutions for your cows?
Contact us today for expert advice and find the perfect shade cloth for your farm.
