Stress is the leading cause of medical conditions and other significant problems.
It impacts attitude, energy levels, and productivity.
The sad part is that livestock, like humans, experience stress in equal measure and suffer devastating effects.
Stress affects livestock production in every way, so you must nip it in the bud before it wreaks havoc on them.
One of the significant causes of stress in livestock is exposure to the sun during summer.
To protect your livestock from intense heat, you need a livestock sunshade.
What is Livestock Sunshade?
A livestock sunshade is a shade structure used to keep livestock cool in the scorching sun, especially in summer.
outside cow shade is a necessity to maintain the proper body temperature for your livestock.
Your animals should get shade during the hottest part of the day, which is between 10 AM and 3 PM, to avoid sunburning.
This is when they should receive different types of shade to keep their temperature constant.
They can still move around freely without getting tired.
Choose a shade that won’t cause irritation or discomfort for your animals.
What are the Benefits of Cow Shade Protection?
Shade is a method of reducing heat load and offering cattle an environment conducive to their well-being. The benefits of installing a cow shade outweigh any hurdles you may have to jump. Here are some of them;
- Shaded cows display reduced respiration rates, panting scores, and body temperatures compared to unshaded cows in conditions that escalate the danger of heat stress.
- Cattle need shade in hot weather, so it’s easy to see them standing or sleeping under a tree.
- Also, using a cow shade improves the quality of your beef and increases milk production by up to 1.2 liters per cow.
- Having a cow shade will protect you from the sun and improve the quality of your milk.
Depending on where you live and how often you take your animals to the hay, it may be necessary to install a cow shade. If you fail to establish a cattle shade cloth, your cattle risk overheating during summer.
Risks to Livestock Overheating
Before a cow collapses and dies due to overheating, it must show signs of overheating. So, to tell whether your cattle are in trouble, watch for the following symptoms before they become considerable enough to cause lasting effects.
- Increased Rate of Respiration
- Looking for shade continually
- Making a mad dash to the water sources
- Reduced appetite
- Several cows lamping for shade
- Breathing heavily while their mouth is open
- Convulsions
- Falling over with no reason
Types of Cow Shade
A livestock shade structure can be either a permanent or a mobile unit. A cow shade is a structure that consists of wood or steel pipes on the sides and a UV-treated polypropylene fabric on the roof. Also, you use galvanized iron sheets as a roof.
Movable units should be mounted on the skids to facilitate transportation. They should be proportioned for ease of use.
A single portable device should not exceed 25 ft. x 42 ft.
The amount of artificial shade the cattle shade cloth provides is determined by the amount of natural shade the area receives and the breed of cattle you rear. Some cattle shade cloth can provide 80% shading.
Features of A Livestock Sun Shade
- A good quality livestock sunshade should have the following qualities
- It should be affordable and durable to safeguard your livestock for many years
- It should do away with sprinkler usage and minimize the mess that comes with sprinklers
- Its cover should look like an arc to enable simple rain runoff while keeping enough shelter for the animals
- It should be movable and straightforward to install
- It should be manufactured from galvanized steel and a long-lasting vinyl net cover system
- It should be formulated to withstand harsh weather
- All parts should be bolted together to eliminate the need for welding
- It should have pre-drilled holes for simple assembly
- All steel components should be galvanized to minimize corrosion and guarantee long life.
How to Choose Shade Cloth For Your Livestock
To ensure you are investing in the correct type of cattle sunshade, consider the following factors.
Understand the reason for installing the cattle sun shade cloth -Think about the type of cattle breed you are rearing.
Size of the area you need to install the cattle shade – Cattle shade cloth comes in various sizes and shapes. If you know the size of your site, you’ll pick the ideal size to minimize losses.
Fabric quality—The better the quality of the livestock sunshade, the higher the Ultraviolet protection. Buy a cattle shade cloth based on the protection your animals need.
High-quality fabrics may be expensive initially, but they’ll save a lot in the long run.
Ease of Installation—Before investing in shade cloth, consider how easy it is to install. Buy the one you can install quickly and move around as the need arises without hiring a professional.
Manufacturer expertise and warranty—Ensure your manufacturer has extensive experience and expertise in making cow shade cloth. Also, check whether your manufacturer provides a warranty for its products. The EyouAgro cow shade cloth comes with an 8-year warranty.
How to Install a Cow Shade Using Wooden Materials
Building a cow shade with wooden materials is an affordable and effective solution.
Here’s how to do it:
- Step 1: Prepare the wooden frame
Gather long wooden planks and attach them to wooden posts using wood screws. This will create a sturdy and comfortable structure for the cattle.
- Step 2: Build the wooden roof frame
Construct a wooden roof frame that will serve as the base for the galvanized roofing or shade cloth.
- Step 3: Attach the roofing
Fix galvanized sheets or a high-quality cattle shade cloth onto the wooden roof frame, providing shade and protection from the elements.
- Step 4: Create an easy-to-clean floor
Lay bricks or other durable materials on the soil floor to make it easier to clean and maintain.
- Step 5: Install a wooden door
Construct a door using wooden planks. Reinforce it with two diagonal planks, and secure the pieces with screws. Install the door by digging a wooden post into the ground to act as a pivot for the door.
This method uses wood to provide a cost-effective and sturdy cow shade, offering both protection and comfort for your livestock.
By following these steps, you can create a functional and durable cow shade at a low cost, providing protection and comfort for your livestock.
Conclusion
A cow shade will protect your livestock from the harshness of sunlight. It will also help keep the cows comfortable and calm as they travel around in the hot summers and cool winters. Different breeds of animals require different temperatures to keep them comfortable.
Keep Your Livestock Cool and Healthy with the Right Sun Shade!
Protecting your livestock from excessive heat is key to ensuring their comfort, health, and productivity. At EyouAgro, we offer high-quality, UV-resistant sun shade solutions tailored to your farm’s needs, keeping your animals cool even in the harshest conditions.
Looking for the perfect sun shade for your livestock?
Contact us today for expert advice and custom solutions to safeguard your animals from heat stress.
