Abstract:
The implications of high heat load (HHL) on feedlot cattle can be costly. Its impact is felt economically and consumer perceptions of the beef industry can be tainted. Animal assessments such as dry matter intake, body temperature, respiration rate and behaviour can be useful in providing information on how well cattle are coping. However, used in conjunction with microclimatic factors such as ambient temperature and humidity it has the potential to be a useful management tool from which informed decisions can be made to alleviate the effects of HHL.
