Livestock Stress

Iowa's agricultural industry also includes cattle, chickens, and hogs. The state leads the nation in hog and egg production, is second in the commercial red meat production and eighth in the country for cheese production. Many animals do not have sweat glands; they are unable to cool themselves through the evaporation of sweat on their skin. Instead, animals will try and wade in the water, or breathe heavily (also called panting) to release added heat in their bodies. When animals are under heat stress, they can stop eating, decrease in weight, stop milk or egg production, and may not be able to reproduce.

Heat Stress is calculated using:

• wind
• temperature
• humidity
• solar radiation

You can download this mobile app from USDA to monitor local livestock heat stress or check today's forecasted maps here at USDA.gov.