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.

Water availability
Water should be readily available to cows not only during the summer months, but all year long. It is recommended to have one water tank per 20 cows with three inches of linear space per cow. The water should be between 54 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Tanks are preferred over fountains because they allow more cows to drink at a time and fill faster. Be sure to clean tanks and fountains on a weekly basis to avoid algae growth.

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.

Proper ventilation
Ventilation is very important in keeping cows cool. Make sure that fresh air is circulated through the barns. Keeping the air moving around cows, especially in front of them, will help to keep cows cool and eating.

Shade
Be sure to have adequate amounts of shade for all cows. It is recommended to have 25 square feet of shade per cow. Also, make sure that the water tanks are close to the shaded areas. If the cow has to walk too far from the shade to drink, she won't.

Cow comfort
It is very important to keep cows comfortable, especially on hot days. Many producers use sprinklers by the feed bunk and in the holding area to keep the cows cool. This can be as simple as a garden hose strung up with tiny holes poked in it.

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.

Use the cool nights to the fullest
Take advantage of cooler nights in the summer. Many times you can make up for decreased daytime dry matter intake during the night. Feed more times during the evening, even if it means going out to the barn before you go to bed to feed some more feed or sweep in. Also, try to get cows full in the early morning hours before the temperatures start to rise.

Report changes in DMI
A balanced ration is also important in achieving good levels of dry matter intake. ANC strives to deliver the most accurate rations available. In order to do this, we need to keep on top of your herd's intake. When you see changes in dry matter intake, either up or down, report them to your consultant. He/she will make sure that we adjust your ration accordingly.