Udder issues during summer

Warm weather and heat stress can significantly impact udder health in dairy cows, primarily by increasing the risk of udder issues, loss of milk, reduced milk production and more replacements. Because cows with heat stress stand more often and for longer periods of time to release heat to the environment, their hooves are subjected to additional stress, which leads to hoof problems. The warm weather puts pressure on the cow’s immune system. Heat stress creates an unfavorable environment for the cows in the barn and increases the risk of udder health problems.

A negative energy balance affects the cow’s immune system, as neutrophils, an important immune cell in preventing (udder) infections, are less able to do their job. The activity of the immune cells decreases, increasing the risk of disease and infection.