Heat Stress Mitigation Strategies in Feedyards: Use, Perceptions, and Experiences of Industry Stakeholders

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In the United States, cattle in feedyards can experience heat stress due to extreme climatic events negatively affecting welfare and productivity. Various heat mitigation strategies have been studied in feedyard settings, but information on the current adoption of those strategies and stakeholder perceptions of strategies and their benefits is limited. This study utilized an online survey to ask feedyard operators, veterinarians, and nutritionists about their perception and use of heat mitigation strategies. Generally, respondents agreed that heat stress impacts cattle performance, health, and welfare. The majority of respondents utilized or recommended some type of heat mitigation such as changing feed delivery time and feed composition, utilizing sprinklers and/or changing processing and handling times. Respondents used a variety of indicators and monitoring tools to aid in identifying when to implement protocols and strategies. Respondents perceived pen infrastructure (i.e., shade, fans) and water/feed management as important considerations for better mitigating the negative effects of heat stress on cattle in the face of another extreme heat event. This survey highlighted the need for future research to evaluate the cost:benefit of different mitigation strategies, the effectiveness of mitigation strategies in different geographical areas, and development of more in-depth heat stress forecasting and monitoring tools. ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to: (1) understand heat mitigation strategies currently used and recommended by feedyard operators, veterinarians, and nutritionists, (2) understand their perceptions of heat mitigation strategies related to cattle health, performance, welfare, and carcass quality, (3) quantify the frequency of extreme heat events, and (4) understand industry needs associated with heat stress mitigation strategies. An online survey was shared via 11 industry association listservs. Descriptive statistics were performed on 56 responses (n = 22 operators, 26 veterinarians and eight nutritionists). Thematic analysis was performed on free-response questions. Sixteen (72.7%) operators, 23 (88.5%) veterinarians and eight (100%) nutritionists utilized at least one heat mitigation strategy. “Changing processing and shipping hours” (n = 42, 75%) had the most “strongly agree” responses when asked about strategy effectiveness. The majority of respondents agreed that heat stress negatively impacts cattle health, performance, and welfare (Mean ± SD; ≥7.8 ± 2.6 for all roles). Forty-two (75%) respondents experienced cattle death loss from extreme heat events. Thematic analysis indicated that respondents perceived pen infrastructure and water/feed management as important considerations for better mitigating heat stress impacts. When asked what resources would be helpful, respondents indicated research and data regarding the effectiveness of various strategies.