by Melissa Goldade

August is upon us and the sun has finally started to show itself more often. But along with the sun come warmer days. We all know that higher temperatures can lead to decreased dry matter intake. Following are some ideas that might help you to maintain or increase your dry matter intake.

Remember, for every additional two pounds of dry matter consumed, a cow can produce an additional four to five pounds of milk. With milk at $14 a hundred weight, this could mean an additional $14,400 in profit per year on a 100 cow herd.

Place water tanks where they are easily accessible to cows. Some suggested areas are next to the feed bunk, in the holding area, in the pasture or a short walk from the pasture, and just outside the milking parlor. It is estimated that a cow will drink 40 percent of her total water intake immediately after being milked.

Remember, cows require 30-60 gallons of water each day, and often drink more on hot days to cool their core temperature. The more readily available the water is, the more a cow will drink and in turn the more feed she will eat leading to more milk in the bulk tank.

Different types of bedding also lead to cow comfort. It is important to use enough bedding, no matter what type you prefer. Producers who use sand for bedding have expressed their happiness with its cooling ability during the summer.

Stall size and design can also have an impact on cow comfort. It is recommended for freestalls to be four feet wide by seven feet long. Be sure to have adequate lunge space and a brisket board. The preferred stall design is loop stalls which allow space for the cow's hips.