Trees for Shade
Using trees for shade and shelter belts can be a useful adaptation for the long-term management of heat stress cow herds.
Shade is the most important consideration for reduction of heat stress.
It is worth considering how these can be integrated into existing infrastructure.
The main options for shade infrastructure are explained in the following guides.
These balance the factors that should be considered when investing in cooling infrastructure. The right combination of cooling methods based on how the farm operates is the key to reducing heat stress.
For each option its strengths and limitations are listed and the keys to success are described.
These guides support decision-making around the best placement of resources, time and effort into improving infrastructure in paddocks and lane ways, the dairy yard and feedpads.
Alongside infrastructure, fan system design and/or sprinkler systems are also important systems to air cooling.
Consider:
Consider:
Consider:
Using trees for shade and shelter belts can be a useful adaptation for the long-term management of heat stress cow herds.
Soft-roof structures can be a cost effective way of minimising heat gain to keep cows cool.
Permanent shade structures over feedpads can reduce the impact of heat stress on cows and overall dairy farm productivity.
Portable shade structures are a useful piece of infrastructure that can be used to manage heat stress in cows, and moved around dairy farms.
Compost bedded pack structures provide many benefits for dairy farmers in dryer and warmer climates.