Heat Stress Support

Heat Stress Can Dramatically Hurt Milk Productivity In Your Milking Herd

Two long rows of livestock eating hay inside large contemporary farmhouse without any workers or staff around

During the summer months, high temperatures and high humidity can place a lot of environmental stress on the milking herd and lead to drops in milk production. It is not uncommon for dairy producers to report an 8-12# of milk production drop per cow during the peak summer months – from May to September in northern areas of the country and even longer in southern geographies. Therefore it is important to have quality products that combat heat stress on-hand.

In addition, new research shows that pregnant milk cows experiencing unmanaged heat stress will be directly impacted with calf birth weights, organ weights and higher rates of cell death in the intestines of the calf. They reported that this appeared to impact the calf’s ability to absorb the immune factors from colostrum, compromising this essential transfer from mother to calf.

It is also good to keep an eye on winter hydration needs as humidity falls and water consumption may be impacted by cold temperatures.

Feeding a premium source of electrolytes, essential minerals and protein to your milking herd will encourage water consumption and help maintain acceptable levels of hydration. This will help your cows maintain normal milk productivity and drive higher revenues, directly impacting your profitability.

What Are Electrolytes For Milking Dairy Cows?

Electrolytes are key minerals, like sodium, calcium, potassium that are vital for the normal functioning of critical body systems, including muscles and the nervous system

Administering a properly formulated electrolyte solution during times that animals are losing electrolytes will ensure proper hydration.

Oral Electrolytes For Hydration Should Include These Ingredients:

The following ingredients are important for ensuring proper hydration in lactating dairy cows.

  • Water – The essential ingredient
  • Sodium – Needs to be tightly balanced to avoid too little and too much.  Also balance 1-1 ratio with glucose supplied
    • Typical sources on label – salt and other sodium containing compounds
  • Other electrolyte minerals
    • Potassium
    • Chloride
    • Magnesium
    • Calcium
  • Alkalizing Agents – Fed to help minimize metabolic acidosis and can provide a little energy
    • Usually attached to sodium or citrate and commonly can be added as sodium bicarbonate
    • Bicarbonates and citrates can inhibit curd formation in the gut so be sure to feed 4 hours after feeding milk.
  • In addition, added benefit can be offered with these ingredients to support livestock requiring hydration support
    • Probiotics – helps maintain normal digestive health and support natural gut microbiome, especially if antibiotics are being administered.
    • Yeasts
    • Enzymes

LIRA GOLD® HydroLyte COW™ Helps Maximize Productivity During Times Of Heat Stress

HydroLyte COW is a scientifically formulated nutritional and electrolyte supplement that is specifically designed to provide hydration and key nutrients in cows during times of increased stress.  Specially selected, highly bioavailable ingredients support proper hydration, energy imbalances, and work to maintain normal metabolic health. 

When added to feed, HydroLyte COW provides the electrolytes salt, potassium and chloride along with ReaShure Precision Release Choline, NiaShure Precision Release Niacin to support energy balance, appetite and proper digestion. In addition, we add a more extensive package of vitamins (including Vitamins A, D & E) as well as proteinated minerals to provide the nutritional support milk cows need to maximize production during times of heat stress.

Several LIRA GOLD® products combat heat stress. Our products, including HydroLyte COW, are formulated to help your livestock maintain proper hydration and performance during times of heat stress, winter stress and when other environmental stressors impact their daily lives.

Find The Right Product For You

Thanks to over 40 years of experience in the industry, we are accustomed to creating healthy, natural supplements that meet animal health and performance needs.  You can learn more about our products by contacting us online or giving us a call.  We’ll be happy to help you find a product that meets your animal’s unique health and wellness needs.