Heat affecting dairy cows at MTSU

— The lingering drought is starting to have an effect on dairy cows.

Middle Tennessee State University Director of Farm Laboratories Tim Redd told The Daily News Journal that high temperatures and lack of rain have resulted in lower milk production.

Redd says the prolonged heat stresses the animals. He predicted milk production would be down 20 percent until temperatures cool off.

In the meantime, cows at MTSU’s Environmental Learning and Research Center are under shelter when they eat and while being milked.

Animal science senior Lydon Micah “Boomer” Harris says fans are also being used and help cool things down 10 to 15 degrees.

Upcoming Events