With the extreme temperatures coming up in the next few days, taking a few extra steps could make a big difference in keeping your show animals safe and comfortable. The next several days are shaping up to be especially challenging for small ruminants like sheep and goats, which are particularly vulnerable to heat stress. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming show or simply trying to maintain health and performance, now is the time to act.
Understanding Heat Stress in Small Ruminants
Heat stress occurs when animals can no longer shed heat efficiently. Common signs include panting, drooling, lethargy, increased respiration and heart rate, trembling, staggering, or collapse. These symptoms lead to reduced feed intake, performance drop-offs, compromised immunity, and in severe cases, loss of life.
Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, sunlight, and wind speed all contribute to the risk of heat stress, often summarized as the Temperature Humidity Index (THI).
THI is a measure that combines air temperature and relative humidity to estimate how hot it feels to animals. As humidity increases, the body’s ability to cool through evaporation (panting or sweating) is reduced—even if the temperature hasn’t changed. For livestock, a THI of:
- Below 74 is generally safe.
- 75–78 may cause mild stress in sensitive animals.
- 79–83 is moderate stress.
- Above 84 is considered dangerous and can cause severe heat stress or death, especially in animals with heavy coats or limited airflow.
Small ruminants like sheep and goats are particularly vulnerable when THI rises quickly, or when nighttime temperatures remain high, giving them little chance to recover.
Monitoring both temperature and humidity is essential during the summer months. A thermometer alone isn’t enough—use a digital weather station or online THI calculator to assess daily risk.
Best Management Practices to Reduce Heat Stress
1. Provide Ample Shade & Shelter
- Use natural shade (such as mature trees) or construct shade structures with shade cloth, tarps, or portable carports.
- Ensure shade areas are large enough so all animals can lie down comfortably at once.
- Avoid crowding too many animals into small shaded or enclosed areas, as this can trap heat and raise internal temperatures. Adequate airflow is critical to cooling.
2. Ensure Cool, Clean Water – & Boost Hydration
- Refresh water 3–4 times per day if possible with cool, clean water. This encourages animals to drink more during periods of extreme heat.
- Plan for 1–3 gallons per head daily for sheep and goats. Swine can drink 3-5gallons per day. Cattle can drink 15-35 gallons per day.
- Keep water cooler by placing frozen water bottles or jugs into buckets, especially at shows or during transport.
- Drenching animals with cool, clean water or electrolyte solutions can help prevent dehydration. This can also be done before hauling animals to help maintain hydration. Always follow the label if using a hydration solution or mix.
- Clean water troughs regularly and monitor for algae or off-flavors, which can reduce water intake.
3. Increase Airflow in Barns & Pens
- Use fans or open doors and vents to increase air circulation and reduce heat buildup in barns or holding areas.
- Good airflow helps animals release body heat more efficiently and prevents hot, stagnant air from accumulating.
4. Adjust Feeding & Nutrition
- Feed animals during the coolest parts of the day, ideally early morning or late evening.
- Offer smaller, more frequent meals rather than large rations all at once.
- Reduce fiber in the diet and increase concentrates to minimize heat produced during digestion.
5. Limit Stressful Activities During Peak Heat
Avoiding unnecessary stress is just as important as cooling and hydration when temperatures soar. Physical activity and routine handling can raise body temperature further and increase the risk of heat stress.
- Avoid exercise or walking animals during the hottest part of the day. If you need to practice or handle animals, do so early in the morning or later in the evening.
- Limit grooming and blow-drying during peak heat hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), as these activities generate additional body heat.
- Skip turnout during the day and instead allow outside time in the early morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower.
- Avoid soaking animals with cold water. Too much cold water applied too quickly can cause shock. Use cool, damp towels on the neck or back instead.
- Delay shearing, especially in hot conditions. If shearing is necessary, avoid shearing sheep extremely close, as this can reduce their natural protection from the sun and increase heat stress risk.
- Postpone loading or hauling animals until cooler times of day and ensure shade, water, and ventilation are available during transport.
When possible, allow animals to rest in a shaded, well-ventilated area with minimal handling during high heat.
Traveling to Shows in the Heat
When traveling in extreme heat, extra precautions are critical:
- Bring fans and extension cords or portable battery options to maintain airflow in barns or tie-outs.
- Use cool, damp towels on the animals’ backs or necks during peak heat hours to promote evaporative cooling.
- Provide frozen water bottles or jugs in water buckets to keep water cooler throughout the day.
- Drenching animals with cool, clean water or electrolyte solutions can help prevent dehydration. This can also be done before hauling animals to help maintain hydration. Always follow the label if using a hydration solution or mix.
- Ensure trailer vents are fully open to allow maximum airflow. Avoid deep bedding that retains heat.
- Avoid hauling during the hottest part of the day. Travel early in the morning or later in the evening, and avoid unnecessary stops in direct sunlight.
Final Notes for Exhibitors
- Observe animals multiple times daily for early signs of heat stress: panting, drooling, sluggishness, or decreased appetite.
- Avoid intense activity, grooming, or movement during peak heat hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
- Bring a heat-preparedness kit to shows with extra buckets, towels, fans, electrolyte paste, and frozen jugs.
Quick‑Reference Heat‑Management Checklist
| Focus Area | Best Practices |
|---|---|
| Shade | Well-ventilated, spacious, and not overcrowded |
| Water | Cool, clean, refreshed 3–4× daily; drench if needed |
| Airflow | Fans and open vents or doors to increase circulation |
| Feeding | Feed in cool hours; reduce fiber, increase frequency |
| Handling | Avoid stress (exercise, grooming, turnout) during heat |
| Transport | Pre-hydrate, open trailer vents, avoid midday travel |
Closing Thoughts
Managing heat stress in show livestock requires a proactive plan and daily attention to detail. Whether at home or on the road, simple practices like clean water, airflow, shade, and thoughtful feeding can make a significant difference. By staying ahead of the heat, you can keep your animals healthy, competitive, and show-ring ready all summer long.
Sources
- Michigan State University Extension – Animal Welfare at the Fair: Heat Stress
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/animal-welfare-at-the-fair-heat-stress - South Dakota State University Extension – Heat Stress in Small Ruminants
https://extension.sdstate.edu/heat-stress-small-ruminants - University of Arkansas Extension – Heat Stress in Sheep and Goats
https://www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/animals-forages/sheep-goats/small-ruminants-blog/posts/heat-stress.aspx - UNL Extension – Managing Sheep and Goats for Heat Stress
University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension Publication G2355 (2023)
https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/g2355/2023/html/view
