Fairfield Daily Ledger, IA
07-19-06
Fresh water essential in hot, humid weather
By Lacey Jacobs, Ledger staff writer
Whether it's by sweating, panting or rolling up leaves, plants, animals and people
are all trying to stay cool in the hot weather.
With highs in the 90s and heat indices reaching 100 degrees or more, keeping
hydrated is just as important to pets and animals as it is to humans.
"Clean, fresh water is very, very important," said Byron Leu, a livestock
specialist with the Iowa State University Extension office.
Leu said it's important to make sure livestock have ample water supplies that the
animals don't have to travel far to reach. By ample water, Leu said a cow can
drink 20 to 25 gallons of water a day.
Leu said if animals are kept outside, they will seek areas that offer protection. If
they have access to shade or shelter, the important thing is to keep them
hydrated, he said.
However, if the animals are outside without access to shelter from the sun, Leu
said developing a sprinkler system to spray the animals down is about the only
option available.
If the animals are kept in a shed, the way many pigs are, Leu said most facilities
have fans or sprinkler systems to help keep the animals cool.
Finished animals that may be heavier and fleshier hold in more heat and can get
extremely hot, he said. Leu believes there have been some animal deaths in the
area.
"The hot weather will decrease the productivity in most cases in all species," he
said.
According to ISU Extension office crop specialist Jim Fawcett, July is
considered to be a critical month for corn, while August is more critical for
soybeans.
"Weather is the main factor that determines yields each year in Iowa," Fawcett
said, adding weather's also the one thing that can't be controlled.
"As temperatures get into the 90s, it is stressful for the crops," he said.
Fawcett said one way to determine how much stress corn is under is through the
leaves, which will roll up to preserve moisture.