HERFS/AUTUMN BONUS TYDSKRIF 2026

One of the most effective ways to respond is through improved airflow and ventilation. Proper air movement at the level where cows lie and rest should reach at least 1 m/s. Increasing airflow between 0,5 m/s and 3,0 m/s can reduce core body temperature rise by up to 50%. When cows are kept in environments where air moves faster than 2 m/s, their respiration rates drop by about 30%, reflecting improved comfort and reduced heat load. In Graph 2, one can see how increased air speed results in a decrease in the rectal temperatures in dairy cows. Graph 2: Airspeed vs. Rectal Temperature Reduction Graph 3: Cooling method vs. Respiration Rate One of the most effective ways to respond is through improved airflow and ventilation. Proper air movement at the level where cows lie and rest should reach at least 1 m/ . Increasing airflow between 0.5m/s and 3.0 m/s can reduce ore body temperature rise by up to 50%. When cows are kept in environments where air moves faster than 2 m/s, their respiration rates drop by about 30%, reflecting improved comfort and reduced heat load. In Graph 2, one can see how an increased airspeed results in a decrease in the rectal temperatures in dairy cows. Whether your operation is based on pasture or an indoor cow house system, the layout of your house or shelter matters. In an indoor cow house, high-speed fans should be placed strategically to avoid stagnant air pockets. In open cow house systems, the cow house designs should allow for maximum natural airflow. In both systems, ventilation is not a luxury, it is a shield against heat stress. But airflow alone is not enough. Cows exposed to direct sunlight face a massive thermal burden. Providing effective shade through trees, shade cloths, or insulated roofs significantly reduces this load. Studies show that cows kept in shaded areas maintain better body temperatures and feed intake, with 10% to 20% lower respiration rates than cows under direct sunlight. Graph 3 compares the impact that the sun, shade and sprinklers have on the respiration rate of dairy cows. Whether your operation is based on pasture or an indoor cow house system, the layout of your house or shelter matters. In an indoor cow house, high-speed fans should be placed strategically to avoid stagnant air pockets. In open cow house systems, the cow house designs should allow for maximum natural airflow. In both systems, ventilation is not a luxury, it is a shield against heat stress. But airflow alone is not enough. Cows exposed to direct sunlight face a massive thermal burden. Providing effective shade through trees, shade cloths, or insulated roofs signifi- cantly reduces this load. Studies show that cows kept in shaded areas maintain better body temperatures and feed intake, with 10% to 20% lower respiration rates than cows under direct sunlight. Graph 3 compares the impact that the sun, shade, and sprinklers have on the respiration rate of dairy cows. Gr ph 2: Airspeed vs. Rectal Temperature Reduction Graph 3: Cooling method vs. Respiration Rate O of th most effectiv ways to r spond is through improved airflow nd ventil tion. Proper air movement at the level where cows lie and rest should reach at least 1 m/s. Increasing airflow between 0.5m/s and 3.0 m/s can reduce core body temperature rise by up to 50%. When cows are kept in environments where air moves faster than 2 m/s, their respiration rates drop by about 30%, reflecting improved comfort and reduced heat load. In Graph 2, one can see how an increased airspeed results in a decrease in the rectal temperatures in dairy cows. Whether your operation is based on pastu e or an indoor cow house system, the layout of your hou e or shelter matters. In an indoor cow house, high-speed fans should be pl ced st ategic lly to avoid stagnant air pockets. In open cow house systems, the cow house design should allow for axim m natur l airflow. In both systems, ventilation is not a luxury, it is a hield against heat stress. But airflow alone is not enough. C ws expo ed to direct sunlight face a massive thermal burden. Providing effective sha through trees, shade cloths, or insulated roofs significantly reduces this load. Studie s ow ha cow kept in shaded are s maintain better body temperatures and feed intake, with 10% to 20% l wer respiration rates than cows under direct sunlight. Graph 3 compares the impact that the sun, shade and sprinklers have on the respiration rate of dairy cows. Graph 2: Airspeed ver us rectal temperature reduction Graph 3: Cooling method versus respiration rate Air Speed vs. Rectal Temperature Reduction Herfs/Autumn 2026 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 60