Tips for heifer shade structures

Joe Harner, extension agricultural engineer from Kansas State University, offered advice for shade structures at the annual Dairy Calf and Heifer Association conference in March.

First, Harner recommends that structures be oriented north to south for several reasons. As the sun moves across the sky, the shaded area will move and heifers will follow. The area left behind is exposed to sunlight and given an opportunity to dry. If the pen has adequate drainage, the north-to-south orientation helps prevent mud holes beneath the shade. Feed bunks are typically oriented north to south as well, which allows the shade structure to be arranged parallel to feed.

Harner also prefers a longer, single shade structure rather than two or more shorter structures. When multiple shade structures are available, heifers tend to congregate in one. This concentrates the build up of manure, which can be problematic if solar radiation is not adequate to dry the surface.

Properly constructed shade structures can be very helpful in reducing heat stress and will help heifers maintain growth rates and reproductive performance.

For more Calf & Heifer Tips from DCHA, click here.