I notice that my sheep are more affected by hot weather early in the season and seem to become more acclimated to it as the summer progresses. Not to say that genetics doesn't play a big part in heat resistance.
Josh, at what temps do your Mashona/M-influenced animals seek shade? Half of my 3/4 SP aren’t tolerant at all. They’re a slobbering mess at 85. Good info as always, thanks.
There’s some variation between animals but overall they are extremely heat tolerant. They will sometimes take advantage of shade since we still offer it due to our straight Angus cattle, but while the Angus cattle are making wallows and panting they will just be standing there chewing their cud contently.
I guess it’s possible but their manure indicates that they have a very nice protein to fiber ratio. Pretty well balanced. Just mostly black Angus cattle grazing K31 fescue. They really struggle with it when temperatures start to get above 80 without access to shade.
Would love to see this again when you get back to it
I notice that my sheep are more affected by hot weather early in the season and seem to become more acclimated to it as the summer progresses. Not to say that genetics doesn't play a big part in heat resistance.
I see the same thing with some of my cows in pastures with not much shade. Been trying some south poll genetics. Genetics matter when grazing fescue
Josh, at what temps do your Mashona/M-influenced animals seek shade? Half of my 3/4 SP aren’t tolerant at all. They’re a slobbering mess at 85. Good info as always, thanks.
There’s some variation between animals but overall they are extremely heat tolerant. They will sometimes take advantage of shade since we still offer it due to our straight Angus cattle, but while the Angus cattle are making wallows and panting they will just be standing there chewing their cud contently.
Could it have been high protein in the forage causing the stress Josh?
I guess it’s possible but their manure indicates that they have a very nice protein to fiber ratio. Pretty well balanced. Just mostly black Angus cattle grazing K31 fescue. They really struggle with it when temperatures start to get above 80 without access to shade.