Extreme Weather - Extreme Heat and Cold

Saskatchewan weather can be unpredictable with extreme periods of hot and cold temperatures. It is important for animal owners to continually monitor their animals for signs of heat and cold stress during periods of extreme weather. Animals exposed to extreme weather conditions are known to have reduced immunity and are prone to disease conditions. Young and old animals and animals with pre-existing conditions are the most vulnerable to extreme temperature patterns. An important part of management strategies during extreme weather conditions is to have a precautionary plan in advance.

Precautionary strategies may include:

Monitoring weather conditions and plan accordingly.
Arranging for appropriate shelter or housing.
Ensuring animals have access to feed and water during and after extreme weather conditions.
Arranging for required veterinary care.

Contact the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Emergency Planning Officers

Chris Smith A/Manager, Emergency Preparedness & Response

Phone	306-787-4692
Email	chris.smith@gov.sk.ca

Mailing Address	Room 202, 3085 Albert Street, Regina, SK, S4S 0B1

David Smith Director, Emergency Response and Inspection

Phone	306-527-8408
Email	david.smith2@gov.sk.ca

Fax	306-787-1315
Mailing Address	Room 202, 3085 Albert Street, Regina, SK, S4S 0B1

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1. Heat Stress

Signs of heat stress (hyperthermia):

Heat stress can occur when the environmental temperature rises above an animal’s thermoneutral zone of comfort.

Extreme body temperature and loss of appetite.
Open mouth breathing, progressing to laboured breathing and restlessness.
Excessive drooling and foaming from the mouth.
Increased standing time and grouping initially followed by isolation and death.

Managing heat stress:

Provide adequate easily accessible cool shady areas, adequate ventilation and space allowances.
Provide accessible cool water and extra water troughs as needed.
Practice low-stress handling and if you have to move animals, do it during cooler parts of the day.
Talk to your feed nutritionist about the right feeding program. Move feeding times to the cooler parts of day.

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2. Cold Stress

Signs of cold stress (hypothermia):

Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature falls below 28 C. Signs include:

Decreased respiratory and heart rate, dilated pupils
Shivering, fatigue and lowered feed intake
Cold/pale extremities, frostbite

Managing cold stress:

Provide adequate wind breakers and sufficient clean, dry bedding
Ensure there is readily accessible potable water, monitor water sources regularly
Ensure adequate body condition before winter. Monitor and maintain body condition score of three.

Provide an added energy diet during winter. Cattle energy requirements can go up by 40 per cent during winter and late gestation.

For additional information on winter management of cattle visit Beef Cattle Research Council.