Texas summers can be hard on ranchers and their cattle. The combination of high temperatures and humidity levels isn’t just unpleasant; they can put tremendous stress on your herd and negatively impact their overall health and well-being. Heat stroke can reduce feed intake, slow weight gain, impact reproduction, and reduce overall performance. Whether you manage a commercial ranch or a small herd, implementing proper nutrition strategies can help keep your cattle healthy, productive, and efficient during the hottest months of the year.
At Thomas Moore Feed, we believe that nourishing your herd with quality feed is one of the most effective ways to help them thrive during Texas summers. Let’s explore some of the methods you can use to help your herd stay healthy and maximize their performance throughout the season.
Understand How Heat Impacts Cattle
In response to high heat and humidity, cattle consume less feed. This strategy is completely natural, as it reduces the heat their bodies generate during digestion. While a normal response to heat stress, reduced feed intake—especially over prolonged periods of time—can be detrimental to your herd’s health and performance.
Heat stress can contribute to:
- Reduced weight gain
- Lower milk production in nursing cows
- Poor reproductive performance
- Heightened susceptibility to illness
By being aware of the impact heat can have on cattle, you can take proactive steps to support your herd during periods of extreme heat.
Make Balanced Nutrition a Priority
Because cattle naturally consume less during summer’s extreme heat, every bite they take must deliver the nutrition they need to thrive, yet should still be highly digestible and boost performance.
A well-balanced summer feeding program should include:
- High-quality protein to support and maintain muscle development
- Adequate energy to sustain growth and performance
- Essential vitamins and minerals that boost overall health
- Appropriate fiber levels to encourage healthy digestion
Providing your herd with a top-quality feed from a reputable supplier ensures they receive the balanced nutrition needed to remain productive and healthy all summer long.
Don’t Overlook the Importance of Water
Proper nutrition is essential, but fresh water is just as important—especially during summer in Texas. When temperatures soar, cattle require significantly more water than usual. This increased water intake helps regulate their body temperature, supports efficient digestion, and maintains overall health. When cattle lack adequate amounts of water, their feed intake and performance will rapidly decline.
To ensure your herd stays well-hydrated during the summer months:
- Make sure a supply of clean, fresh water is always accessible
- Ensure there’s enough watering space to reduce the risk of crowding
- Regularly clean out troughs and tanks
- Frequently check water systems for leaks or equipment failures
Ensuring your herd has reliable access to water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support their health and performance during the summer months.
Feed During the Coolest Times of Day
During periods of high heat and humidity, when you feed your cattle is just as important as what you feed them. When feed is offered during cooler hours, cattle are more likely to eat; plus, the amount of heat produced during digestion is reduced.
An ideal summer feeding schedule includes:
- During the early morning hours before temperatures increase
- Late evening when conditions are cooler
Making a few minor adjustments to your feeding schedule can increase consumption and the amount of nutrients your herd ingests while also reducing the risk of heat stress.
Keep Cattle Cool and Comfortable
Offering a balanced feeding program is important, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Modifying your daily routine can help keep your cattle cool, comfortable, and healthy during summer’s heat.
Examples of simple changes to consider making include:
- Providing access to natural or artificial shade
- Minimizing handling during the hottest times of the day
- Encouraging good airflow in both pens and pastures
- Regularly checking your cattle for heavy panting, drooling, sluggish behavior, and other signs of heat stress
In addition to providing quality nutrition, implementing smart management practices helps to create ideal conditions for keeping your herd healthy, happy, and productive.
Make Every Bite Count with Quality Nutrition
During the summer months, every bite matters. Since cattle naturally consume less feed during hot weather, providing high-quality, nutrient-rich feed is one of the best ways to maintain your herd’s health and performance.
At Thomas Moore Feed, we offer premium, carefully formulated livestock feeds to ensure the nutritional needs of Texas cattle are met. Our products, which are available at trusted feed dealers across the state, will help to keep your herd in top condition throughout the summer months. To find our products, simply visit your local feed store and ask for Thomas Moore Feed by name.
Help Your Herd Thrive This Summer with Thomas Moore Feed
Keeping cattle health during Texas summers requires the right balance of nutrition, hydration, and smart management techniques. When you provide quality nutrition and proper care, your herd will be better equipped to handle the heat. For the highest quality livestock feed, look no further than Thomas Moore Feed products. For more information or to find a dealer near you, contact us today.
