Hwasun County on High Alert for Livestock Health Amid Heat Wave... Urges Preventive Measures for Farmers

"Provide Fresh Water and Manage Environment to Prevent Heat Stress"

With the onset of intense heat, Hwasun County has called on livestock farmers to thoroughly manage their operations in order to prevent damage from heat waves, such as livestock deaths and decreased productivity.

On June 22, Hwasun County requested that farms strengthen their preventive measures, explaining that if the summer heat wave persists for an extended period, feed intake and immunity in livestock may decline, leading to lower productivity and, in severe cases, even death.

The county specifically explained that livestock exposed to high temperatures are vulnerable to heat stress, as their respiratory rate increases and energy consumption rises in an effort to lower body temperature, resulting in decreased appetite. This makes careful management essential.

Turbo relay fan and side exhaust fan installed as a national pilot project in 2025.
[Photo by Hwasun-gun]

To minimize heat wave damage, it is most important to supply livestock with plenty of cool, clean water. Water troughs should be cleaned daily to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, and farmers should ensure that livestock have access to water at all times. It is most effective to provide feed during the cooler hours, such as early morning or evening. Additionally, dividing feed into multiple servings can help increase intake, thereby preventing weight loss and a decline in productivity.

Environmental management to lower the internal temperature of livestock facilities is also crucial. It is necessary to ventilate the barns using fans, install shade structures, spray water on roofs, and use misting systems to expel heat from the facilities. When using misting systems, it is important to operate ventilation fans simultaneously to prevent excessive humidity.

Hwasun County also recommended feeding high-energy and nutrient-dense feed to compensate for reduced feed intake during the summer, as well as supplementing with vitamins and minerals.

Choi Eunsun, Director of the Hwasun County Agricultural Technology Center, said, "Farmers should frequently check to ensure that livestock are not suffering from heat stress, and thoroughly inspect drainage channels around barns to prepare for heavy rains. Please pay special attention to disease prevention and biosecurity management to minimize damage."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.