As temperatures climb across the Murray region, managing heat stress becomes critical to protecting both herd wellbeing and farm productivity.
Heat stress doesn’t just affect cow comfort — it has measurable impacts on milk yield, fertility, and long-term herd performance.
With another hot summer ahead, taking proactive steps now can help maintain production, safeguard future breeding outcomes, and support overall herd resilience.
The good news is a range of practical, evidence-based strategies are available to help reduce heat load and support cow function under rising temperatures.
Dairy Australia’s Cool Cows program provides detailed resources on everything from infrastructure design to nutritional strategies, pasture management and genetic considerations.
Shade, shelter and airflow remain the foundation of good heat-stress management.
Well-designed shade structures — combined with fans or sprinkler-and-fan systems — can significantly reduce heat load during peak afternoon temperatures.
Ensuring water troughs are clean, cool and positioned for easy access across the farm is equally essential, as water intake can double during extreme heat.
Nutrition also plays a key role.
Research shows low-fibre forages, high-quality irrigated pastures, and targeted use of supplementary fats can support energy intake while reducing heat production during digestion.
Feed additives, such as betaine, have been shown to improve heat tolerance and support milk production through osmotic regulation and improved cellular resilience.
For farmers looking to fine-tune their approach, now is an ideal time to review feeding strategies, shade design, and herd grouping with support from your Dairy Australia team.
Whether you’re adjusting rations, planning infrastructure upgrades, or managing dry-season forage quality, our Murray region staff can help you apply these tools to your specific system.
Explore the full suite of Cool Cows resources — including fact sheets on betaine, low-fibre feeding, irrigated forage management and supplementary fats — via Dairy Australia’s Heat Stress and Hot Conditions page on our website at www.dairyaustralia.com.au
If you need support tailoring these strategies to your farm, reach out to the Dairy Australia team in Murray via www.dairyaustralia.com.au/murray or phone 4811 6008.