Ulsan agricultural technology center warns livestock farmers of heat wave risks

The Ulsan Agricultural Technology Center has launched a public awareness campaign targeting livestock farmers on managing animals during heat waves, as high temperatures threaten to cause significant losses.

According to the center, when temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius for 12 consecutive days, heat stress can reduce daily weight gain in beef cattle by 73 percent and in pigs by 60 percent. Milk production in dairy cows can fall by 32 percent, while egg-laying rates in hens can drop by as much as 16 percent.

To prevent barn temperatures from rising, the center recommends installing shade nets, ventilation fans and mist-spraying systems, and ensuring a steady supply of cool water, vitamin C and minerals. Livestock are also more prone to diarrhea and heat stroke in summer due to reduced feed intake and increased water consumption, making proper ventilation essential.

A center official said farmers can use the National Institute of Animal Science's livestock weather information system to receive the Temperature-Humidity Index on their mobile phones and prepare for heat waves.