This time of year, heat stress becomes a concern for every dairy farmer. Heat stress in cattle is brought on by a combination of high temperature and high humidity. The optimal outside temperature for dairy cattle is between 23ºF ( -5º C) and 65ºF (18ºC).

On dairy farms, udder and claw health are closely related to barn hygiene. Clean and dry bedding reduces the risk of mastitis when the cow is resting and prevents the teats and udder to become dirty. Clean passages avoid that cows bring manure into the cubicles, allow the claws to dry and hence reduce the sensitivity for infectious claw disorders, and avoid cows from slipping when walking.