Why Core Body Temperature Matters in Heat Stress Prevention.

Heat stress is a major challenge for dairy farmers, affecting cow comfort, milk production, and overall herd health. But the key to preventing heat stress isn’t just cooling the air—it’s keeping your cows’ core body temperature in check. When a cow’s core temperature rises, its behavior changes, impacting its ability to rest, eat, and produce milk. Understanding this connection is crucial for effective heat stress management.

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How Core Body Temperature Controls Cow Behavior
Research shows that cows make behavioral adjustments based on their core body temperature:

• At 102.0ºF (38.9ºC), cows tend to stand more to help dissipate heat. While this may help them cool down, prolonged standing increases the risk of lameness and discomfort.
• At 100.9ºF (38.3ºC), cows are comfortable enough to lie down, which is essential for rumination, digestion, and milk production.

Dr. Rick Grant, Miner Institute: 
"During heat stress, cows adjust their posture based on their core body temperature. If they remain standing for too long, it’s a clear sign that their cooling system isn’t keeping up."

If cows are spending more time on their feet during hot weather, it’s a sign that their core body temperature is too high—and they need better cooling.

Why Cooling the Cow is More Effective Than Cooling the Air
Many farms rely on cooling barn air with fans or misters, but heat stress prevention works best when it focuses on the cow herself. Here’s why:

• Air temperature does not always reflect heat stress risk—humidity and cow activity also play a role.
• Cows generate internal heat from digestion, which must be dissipated to stay cool.
• Direct cooling of the cow—through airflow and evaporative cooling targeted at her body—lowers core temperature more effectively than cooling the barn alone.

     "Cows can only lie down and ruminate effectively when their core body temperature is within the right range. If cooling doesn’t      reach the cow where she rests, heat stress will continue to impact performance." Dr. Rick Grant, of the Miner Institute:

The goal of heat stress prevention should be to help cows maintain a core body temperature that allows them to lie down, eat, and produce milk efficiently.

The Economic Benefits of Lowering Core Body Temperature

Keeping cows cool isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your bottom line. Research has shown that cooling systems that lower core body temperature lead to:

• Higher milk yields by preventing heat stress-related production losses.
• Better reproduction rates, since heat stress negatively impacts conception.
• Fewer health issues, including lameness and digestive problems, leading to lower vet costs.

     "Investing in effective cow cooling pays off. Reducing heat stress improves milk production, fertility, and overall herd health—  making it one of the smartest investments a dairy farm can make." Dr. Rick Grant, Miner Institute

By cooling cows where they rest, farmers can ensure their herd stays productive and profitable—even in the hottest months.
 

Customer Testimonial - 
 

"We have a temperature sensor on our milking machines that measures milk temperature at the teat end. Before installing Core Cool, we frequently received alerts that milk temperature exceeded 40°C (104°F) during the summer.

Since installing the system, our milk stays at 38°C (100.4°F)—and we haven’t had a single high-temperature alarm in four years.

This is significant because milk temperature reflects a cow’s core body temperature, which should stay around 38°C (100.4°F) for optimal health and performance. This proves that Core Cool effectively keeps our cows within their thermal neutral comfort zone—maximizing milk production, cow comfort, and overall herd well-being."
 

Take Action: Keep Your Cows Cool This Summer
Heat stress doesn’t wait—neither should you. Preventing heat stress isn’t just about cooling the air; it’s about keeping your cows’ core body temperature in the optimal range.

• Comfortable cows lie down, eat more, and produce more milk.
• The right cooling system protects your herd and your profits.

See the difference Core Cool Systems can make on your farm.

Get in touch today:
📧 Email: nancy@corecoolsystems.com
📲 WhatsApp: +1-330-717-8852
🌐 Visit: corecoolsystems.com

To read Dr. Rick Grant's research article - Economic Benefits of Improved Cow Comfort click here: https://bat.ly/JuN7Y