Providing Shade Pays off for Cattle Producers

According to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2024 was globally the hottest year across the USA, followed by 2023 as the second hottest year. However, even if cattle survive these extreme temperatures, they can suffer significantly. Another analysis by St-Pierre et al. (2003) estimated annual losses in the U.S. beef industry to be about $369 million. This shows the estimated yearly loss from extremely hot temperatures.

When we look at another study, we’re able to see the impact of shade on cattle survival during heat events. In Iowa during the summer of 1995, a deadly heat wave settled into the state from
July 12th to July 15th, with temperatures reaching record levels and heat indexes climbing above 130°F in some areas. The eastern part of the state recorded the highest temperature of 131°F. The heat wave led to both human and livestock fatalities. The heat wave also impacted other areas in the Midwest, not just Iowa.

Following the heatwave, The Iowa Beef Producer Survey surveyed cattle producers to learn more. The survey revealed quite a gap in mortality rates between shaded and non-shaded lots. It found in shaded areas, mortality rates of 0.2% compared to a staggering 4.8% average mortality rate in non-shaded areas. This wasn’t an isolated incident; it was a stark revelation for producers who witnessed firsthand the protective power of shade from the direct sun.

This study alone reveals the shade’s critical role as a life-saving intervention for cattle. Since 1995, the USA has experienced and weathered many heat events, and be sure another one will come our way. Now is the time to get preventive measures in place. Get access to the shade available.

Beat the Heat

The advantages of providing shade extend far beyond simply preventing death loss. Providing shad can impact the overall health, well-being, and productivity of cattle. This all leads to financial gains for cattle producers. Cattle experiencing heat stress use extra effort trying to cool themselves. When shade is provided, we see energy conservation, which leads to improved feed efficiency. This means cattle gain more weight on the same amount of feed, and use it better directly impacting profitability.

We see this illustrated in a study led by Associate Professor David Miller, from Murdoch University’s School of Agricultural Sciences. This study was conducted in Southern Australia and monitored over 900 head of cattle. The conclusion to this study showed shaded cattle had almost a .29 lb. average daily gain across when compared to non-shaded cattle. This study analyzed the data over a 70-day feedlot period. As you can see, the average rate of gain was higher in shaded cattle.

Furthermore, heat stress has a well- documented negative impact on reproductive performance in both cows and bulls. In cows, high temperatures can lead to decreased conception rates, and we see more miscarriages in cattle during extreme heat cycles. Added stress is hard on cattle, and can wear down their immunity and discourage them from coming into heat. If you’re managing your calving window, a heat spell can disrupt that cycle. Bulls, similarly, can experience reduced semen quality and libido during periods of heat stress, impacting breeding success. Providing shade helps to mitigate these detrimental effects by keeping the animals’ core body temperatures lower and reducing the physiological stress they experience. According to the UK Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, just adding access to shade can reduce heat stress on cattle by up to 30%. This is a significant reduction, and can be invaluable when temperatures pose a threat to cattle.

The Clark ranch out of Texas invested in some heat structures a few years ago. Joshua Clark, who invested in shade structures across pastures, noted, “Since we put up the shade, we’ve seen a noticeable improvement in our pregnancy rates. The cows just seem more relaxed and cycle more consistently. It’s made a real difference in our calving percentages.” This improvement in reproductive efficiency contributes significantly to the long-term sustainability and profitability of a cattle operation.

Beyond reproduction and growth, shade also plays a crucial role in bolstering the immune system of cattle. Chronic heat stress can suppress the immune system, making animals more susceptible to diseases and infections. By reducing the overall stress load on the animals, shade helps them maintain a stronger immune response, leading to fewer health issues and reduced veterinary and vaccine costs. A healthy herd is a more productive herd, requiring less intervention and contributing to a more robust and resilient operation.

As Dr. Emily Carter, a livestock veterinarian out of Nebraska, explained, “We often see a spike in respiratory illnesses and other infections during prolonged heat waves. Providing shade is a proactive measure that helps to keep the animals healthier and better able to fight off disease challenges.”

The benefits of shade also extend to the quality of the final beef product. Studies have shown that heat stress can negatively impact meat quality, potentially leading to darker meat and reduced tenderness. By reducing heat stress, providing shade can contribute to a higher quality, more consistent end product. This is becoming increasingly important as consumer demand for high -quality beef grows and producers seek ways to maximize the returns on their investment.

Types of Shade

Implementing shade can look different, depending on your land, budget, the size of the herd, and availability. Natural shade, from mature trees and timber, is often the most cost-effective option. However, you’re not going to get the shade you need right away, you will have to wait for the trees to mature if you’re planting new trees. You might have timber on your land available to cattle. You will notice they hang out there on the hottest days. However, you might not have trees in your pastures or feed lots, so you might consider either a permanent or mobile shade unit.

Artificial shade structures might be a better fix for shade right away. They offer a reliable alternative. These can range from simple shade cloth stretched over frames to more permanent structures built with wood or metal. Portable shade structures can be built on skids to allow movement, especially if you exercise rotational grazing. The frames are usually steel or welded pipe. The downside is that you should consider the wind in your area. Overall, these are pretty durable, but a heavy straight-line wind could flip or damage the structure. They are relatively cheaper than putting up a permanent structure.

You might decide that in some locations; a permanent shade structure is a better fit. They can be provided by building barns or sheds. For the most part, you don’t have to worry about weather prematurely beating up on your structure. However, it’s the most expensive route to go, and it can’t follow your cattle around from pasture to pasture. They for sure have their
place, you should weigh the pros and cons specific to you, and decide which option is the best. The initial investment in artificial shade structures is often recouped through improved productivity and reduced mortality.

In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the multiple benefits of providing shade for cattle. From dramatically reducing mortality during heat waves to improving feed efficiency, reproductive performance, immune function, and even meat quality, the advantages are substantial.

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