Craig Lester – As the mercury in the thermometer soars into the mid-to-high 30s (Celsius) this week it’s important to keep a sharp eye on your livestock for heat stress.
Dr. Melissa Moggy is the Extension Coordinator with Alberta Farm Animal Care.
She says there are a few symptoms you should watch for including the animals breathing faster.
“We call this an increased respiratory rate and so that might just be that their sides are moving faster or you might actually see that their mouth is open and they’re open mouth breathing,” Moggy said.
She says they often see that in birds, as they will open their mouths and their whole body will be moving as they try to expel the hot air and cool down. Moggy adds you may see that the animals don’t want to eat or drink.