36 Nebraska Cattleman August 2023 as the thermoneutral zone. This zone generally ranges from 32° F (lower critivary depending on metabolic size and adaptation to the environment. When temperatures exceed the UCT, cattle expend energy in an attempt to dissipate heat. Panting and elevated respiration and heart rate are signs that this is occurring. During periods of extreme heat, the physiological systems that cattle rely on to reduce core body temperature are often unable to keep up during the day. As a result, this heat load must dissipate, often at night, when temperatures drop below 70° F for four to six hours. If night temperatures do not drop below 70° F for at least four hours, cattle have no chance to decrease their core temperature and recover before the next episode of heat exposure. Producers should monitor weather frequently for potential heat events and keep an eye out for predicted temperatures in the high 80s and 90s, especially following a rain, and in situations where the wind speed is going to be less than five miles per hour for several days. Cattle producers must work to prevent or address environmental conditions that approach cattle’s heat thresholds to maintain optimal performance and health. Additionally, environmental conditions, even if not extreme, BQA • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34 CONTINUED ON PAGE 38 cal temperature) to 75° F (upper critical temperature (UCT)) for cattle but can • Finished or near finished cattle. • Black cattle that haven't shed winter coats. • High-intake cattle. • Cattle (pen mates) with previous history of digestive or respiratory illness. • Pens with poor wind movement (north slopes, wind breaks, in valleys). • Pens with no shade. • Pens with restricted water access or poor water flow. • Pens with no sprinklers. PRIORITY CATTLE/PENS NEEDING ADDITIONAL ATTENTION:
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