As a dairy farmer, you know that the health and productivity of your herd are closely tied to constant monitoring. But with so much data available, how do you find your way?
To help you focus on the essentials, here are 5 key indicators to monitor, especially during periods of heat stress.
Temperature-Humidity Index (THI)
This is the most important indicator for assessing the level of heat stress. The THI combines air temperature and humidity to provide a risk measurement. A high THI indicates a challenging environment for your cows, which can affect their welfare and production.
Monitoring this figure allows you to anticipate heat stress events and take action before it’s too late.
Dry Matter Intake (DMI)
A decrease in feed intake is often the first visible sign of heat stress. When temperatures rise, cows tend to eat less. A reduction in DMI directly impacts milk production and body condition.
Tracking this indicator gives you a clear picture of how well the herd is coping with heat.
Milk Production
This is the ultimate economic indicator. Heat stress can cause a significant drop in production. Monitoring daily milk variations helps you measure the direct impact of environmental conditions on your herd and evaluate the effectiveness of your management actions (ventilation, misting, etc.).
Somatic Cell Count (SCC)
An increase in SCC can be a sign of stress and declining immunity. Heat stress makes cows more vulnerable to infections, particularly mastitis.
An abnormal rise in SCC is a warning signal that should prompt you to act quickly to protect the health of your animals.
Respiratory Rate
This is an immediate and visible indicator of stress. Rapid breathing, open-mouthed or labored breathing are signs that a cow is struggling to cool down.
Learning to recognize this behavior helps you identify animals in distress and take corrective action, such as moving them or increasing ventilation.
These 5 indicators, when closely monitored, give you a comprehensive view of your herd’s condition. With the Valomilk platform, you can automate the monitoring of this data to anticipate and act faster than ever.
