Dairy design for a semi-arid climate

Abstract

A semi-arid climate has certain definite advantages for dairy husbandry. In the southwestern United States the climate is very favorable for about eight months of the year. Temperature for portions of the remaining four months are above the thermal comfort zone for high-producing dairy animals. However, with good management practices, production can be kept at acceptable levels. Indeed, production records indicate that this region is consistently among the leading areas in the United States for production per cow per year.