Rent animals also suffer from heat – especially those who cannot sweat. The consequences for agriculture are important.
Cows are much more quickly stressed by heat than humans. According to a study, this already occurs from 16 degrees, depending on humidity, wind and sunshine. Porks are also too hot from 22 degrees Depending on the humidity of the air. Even if it can vary slightly depending on the species and the individual, it is a problem for agriculture. Under thermal stress, cows eat less – and therefore produce less milk. This is what demonstrates A study of the Confederation and the Institute for the Research of Organic Agriculture (FIBL)
The Italian agricultural association Coldiretti estimates the losses for its country between 10 and 15%, according to recent reports of Italian newspapers. Stephan Birrer, veterinarian for large animals in Gunzwil in the canton of Lucerne, explains that there are also losses in meat production. “Bouchery animals” consume less food. “For rent animals, it’s similar to us: when we are too hot, we try to withdraw or move less,” said the veterinarian. According to him, all rent animals suffer from the heat, but it is a little more marked for pigs and cows.
The study of the Federal Agricultural Research Center Agroscope and the FIBL studied how the increase in heat days due to global warming affects cows. The researchers were able to scientifically establish that the thermal stress cows eat less, because digestion generates heat which cows want to avoid. Indeed, like sheep and pigs, cows cannot sweat – and therefore cannot evacuate heat so quickly. These two ungulated therefore try to regulate their body temperature by breathing.
Refreshing systems
To prevent cows from being thermal stress, farmers can provide drinkers and shaded areas. They can also graze the cows during the cooler hours of the day and bring them back to the stable when it is too hot. There, fans, fog machines or showers can provide additional refreshment. According to a report by the Swiss porcine branch, misting systems in the stables are the most effective for pigs. Central humidification of incoming air, showers in the outlet area or mud baths can also provide relief in case of high heat. “Many solutions exist,” said veterinarian Stephan Birrer. According to him, the law on animal protection now stipulates that cooling possibilities should be installed in pig farming.
Nico Schwab (SRF)
