Mitigating Impacts of Environmental Extremes in Ruminant Animals.

Abstract

Animal health, well-being, and productivity are directly impacted by environmental extremes. The outdoor environment in which minimal excess energy requirements are used to maintain body temperature is often referred to as the thermoneutral zone. The following will highlight monitoring environmental conditions to access animal comfort, followed by recommended management practices to reduce environmental stressors and improve comfort during environmental extremes. It is often recommended to implement several of these management strategies in tandem to maximize the comfort and productivity of animals.