Comparison of fan type and effect on dairy cow temperatures on a California dairy during summer conditions

Abstract

Heat stress in dairy cattle is an economically important factor on dairy farms. Annual economic losses due to heat stress on US dairies have been estimated at $1.2 billion (Key, 2014). Reproductive performance, especially pregnancies per AI, has been shown to be negatively impacted at body temperatures above 39.1° C (Periera 2013). Multiple factors affect cow cooling effectiveness, including shade/housing type, soakers, and use of fans to aid in evaporative cooling. Fan type in a commercial setting has not been extensively evaluated as to effects on dairy cow heat abatement and was the objective of this study.