Sounds rough, right? That’s precisely what your calves are dealing with.
Heat stress in young calves isn’t just about being uncomfortable. It can slow down their weight gain, make them more likely to get sick, and in severe cases, it can even be fatal. And unlike mature cattle, calves are still developing — so they don’t have the same ability to regulate their body temperature or deal with stress.
That’s why managing calves during hot weather isn’t just a good idea — it’s essential. It’s a crucial part of raising strong, healthy stock that will grow out well and keep your operation profitable. As a rancher, your role in this process is vital. The good news? You don’t need fancy equipment or high-dollar products to make a big difference. A few thoughtful adjustments to your daily routine can go a long way.
Below, we’ll break down five straightforward, ranch-tested tips that can help your calves not only survive the heat — but actually thrive through it. Whether you’ve been in the cattle business for years or you’re just getting started, these tips are simple, practical, and proven to work. By implementing these tips, you can look forward to healthier, more resilient calves and a more successful operation.
Let’s dive in and get your calves set up for a healthy, stress-free summer.
🌳 1. Provide Consistent Shade
Shade is more than a comfort — it’s a survival tool.
Young calves are especially vulnerable to heat stress because they haven’t fully developed the ability to regulate their body temperature. Unlike mature cows, calves don’t handle extreme temperatures as well, so when that West Texas sun starts blazing, they feel it fast. You might not think a few degrees matter much, but it can be the difference between staying healthy and heading toward trouble with a calf. Heat stress can sneak up on them quickly, slowing their growth and opening the door to illness.
That’s where shade comes in. Providing a shady spot — whether it’s under trees, a shed, or a simple tarp structure — can reduce the heat load by 10 to 15°F. And when it’s pushing 100 degrees or more, that little drop means a lot. It allows calves to cool off, rest, and keep eating like they should. Preventing heat stress early also helps avoid secondary problems, like pinkeye, which loves to take advantage when cattle are already run down. Speaking of pinkeye, let’s talk about how to spot it and treat it at different stages — before it spreads or causes permanent damage.
Options for shade:
- Natural: Tree lines or brush areas (if available)
- Portable: Shade cloth stretched over panels, old carports, or livestock shade structures
- Permanent: Open-sided barns or loafing sheds
Pro tip: Rotate mobile shade structures every few days to avoid creating mud holes or overgrazed patches. You’ll preserve the ground and keep calves cleaner.
💦 2. Keep Fresh Water Flowing
Water is your #1 defense against heat stress. When it’s hot out — especially in places like West Texas — calves need to drink a lot more to stay cool and keep their bodies functioning properly. In fact, during peak summer heat, they might drink up to twice as much as they do in the winter. That means keeping fresh, clean water available isn’t optional — it’s essential. Even a short disruption in water supply can set calves back fast, especially the younger ones still building their strength.
Ensuring your water sources are easy to access and don’t run dry can go a long way in keeping your calves healthy. Bonus tip: check troughs regularly for algae or dirt buildup — nobody wants to drink out
Here’s what they need:
- Cool, clean water — ideally refreshed daily, even more often in peak heat
- Accessible troughs that are low enough for young calves to reach without struggle
- Shade over water tanks when possible to prevent algae growth and keep water temps down
Prolonged dehydration can set calves back fast — with signs like lethargy, sunken eyes, or sticky gums. If you suspect dehydration, electrolyte products can help calves bounce back quickly.
✅ Here’s a helpful dehydration scoring chart from the Beef Cattle Research Council that I keep bookmarked.*
🍽️ 3. Feed Early and Late
Timing matters. Just like you’d rather eat breakfast and dinner when it’s not blazing hot outside, your calves are the same way. At peak times of summer, they eat more efficiently and stay more comfortable when feedings happen during the cooler parts of the day — typically early morning or late evening. Feeding during high heat can lead to reduced intake, slower weight gain, and added stress, especially for young calves that are still building resilience. Shifting your routine a bit can significantly affect their overall health and performance. It’s a small change that pays off in a big way when the temps start climbing.
Why it helps:
- Ruminating generates internal heat, which can pile onto environmental stress
- Calves will eat more — and more consistently — when they’re comfortable
Best practices:
- Feed in the early morning or just before sunset
- Avoid working calves or moving them around during peak heat (usually 1–5 p.m.)
- If bottle feeding or creep feeding, make sure milk replacers and feeds aren’t sitting out and going sour in the heat
Bonus: Adjusting feeding times can also encourage more natural behavior and reduce heat-related restlessness.
🧼 4. Watch for Scours and Dehydration
Scours — or calf diarrhea — is something most ranchers have dealt with, but in hot weather, it can go from mild to life-threatening in a hurry. Calves lose fluids quickly, and when it’s already scorching outside, that dehydration can hit hard and fast. A calf that’s a little droopy in the morning could be in real trouble by evening if you’re not watching closely. That’s why catching scours early is essential, as well as providing plenty of clean, cool water and being ready with electrolytes or vet care if needed. Keeping calves hydrated and cool gives them a fighting chance to bounce back strong.
Heat and bacteria love each other. If bedding is moist or feeding areas get sloppy, those germs multiply like crazy. Combine that with an already dehydrated calf, and you’ve got a potential emergency.
Early signs of trouble:
- Loose or watery stool
- Lethargy, droopy ears, or isolation
- Skin that doesn’t snap back when pinched
What you can do:
- Keep bedding dry and pens clean
- Watch manure consistency — it tells you a lot about hydration
- Use oral electrolytes at the first sign of stress or loose stools
If symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to call your vet. Calves can go downhill fast in the heat.
👉 For more on calf scours basics, check out our post on The truth about calf scours: causes and prevention — it’s one every rancher should bookmark. ← Replace with a real internal post link
🪰 5. Control Flies and Parasites
Summer brings the heat, and with it comes the flies — lots of them. While they might seem like a nuisance, flies can actually create some serious problems for your calves. Not only do they cause calves to bunch up in tight groups, cutting down on airflow and increasing heat stress, but they also make them burn precious energy constantly swatting. Worse, flies can spread bacteria and cause infections, especially around open navels or minor wounds. That’s why keeping fly pressure down is a key part of your summer herd health plan — and why it ties directly into managing issues like pinkeye, which often starts with fly irritation.
To protect your calves:
- Use fly tags on mamas to help protect nursing calves
- Hang fly rubs or back oilers near shaded areas
- Keep pens, feeders, and water tanks clean and dry
- Consider feed-through larvicides if flies are persistent
If you’re into natural solutions, some ranchers have had luck with:
- Diatomaceous earth in bedding areas
- Garlic powder was added to the feed
- Essential oil sprays (lemongrass, citronella) around shelters
Also, don’t forget internal parasites. Deworming calves on a schedule (and rotating pastures when possible) can reduce heat stress from internal burdens.
🧠 Bonus: Know the Signs of Heat Stress in Calves
Sometimes, even with good management, the heat gets the best of them. Recognizing early signs can make the difference between a minor setback and a major loss.
Watch for:
- Panting or rapid breathing
- Drooling or open-mouth breathing
- Listlessness or reluctance to move
- Elevated heart rate or temperature
In extreme cases, cool calves down by:
- Moving them to deep shade or a cool barn
- Applying cool (not icy) water to the legs and under the belly
- Using fans or misting systems, if available
Always call your vet if you’re unsure — the earlier, the better.
🌞 Final Thoughts: Ranch Smarter, Not Hotter
Managing calves in a West Texas summer isn’t always easy, but it is doable. Shade, clean water, good timing, and a watchful eye can go a long way in keeping your calves strong, growing, and ready for weaning.
The payoff? Healthier calves, fewer setbacks, and a whole lot less stress for both you and your herd.
How do you manage the summer heat in your place? Do you have a go-to tip or trick that’s worked for your calves? Drop it in the comments — or better yet, tag us on Facebook or Instagram with your summer ranch setup!