Cow-Calf Certification Practice Exam

Is it beneficial to feed all or most of the diet in the morning to mitigate heat stress?

1. True

2. False

3. Only in extreme heat

4. Only for lactating cows

The correct answer is: False

Feeding all or most of the diet in the morning to mitigate heat stress can have varying effects depending on multiple factors, including ambient temperatures, humidity levels, and the specific nutritional needs of cattle. While feeding in the cooler part of the day, such as the morning, may seem advantageous, it is not always beneficial to concentrate feedings to that time. Heat stress is primarily managed through various strategies, including proper hydration, shade, and careful management of nutritional inputs throughout the day. Ruminants generate heat as they digest food, so spacing feedings throughout the day can help avoid excessive heat generation during hotter periods, allowing cattle to manage their body temperature more effectively. This is especially important in situations where prolonged exposure to high temperatures can impair performance and health. In situations of extreme heat or specific physiological conditions, such as in lactating cows, different management strategies may be implemented to provide comfort and maintain production, but feeding in the morning alone is not a blanket solution for all cattle. Rather, a more balanced approach considering the entire day's thermal environment and monitoring cattle response to feeding timing is critical for effective heat stress management.