Under hot weather conditions, Shows must manage and treat animals to avoid or reduce heat stress.
Management and action plan provided by AgShows NSW and are advisory only.
Guidelines:
- A nominated Show Society representative must regularly assess animal exhibit areas and take necessary action.
- A Hot Weather Management Plan must be available and include daily records of environmental conditions.
- Risk assessments should consider:
- Site climatic factors (using Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer or similar)
- Identification of at-risk animals by a qualified person
- Reports provided by a Show Society–approved person
Causes of Heat Stress
Heat stress occurs when environmental and animal factors cause body temperature to rise beyond the animal’s ability to cope.
Environmental risk factors include:
- Recent rainfall
- High ongoing relative humidity
- High solar radiation without cloud cover
- Minimal air movement over an extended period
- Sudden change to adverse climatic conditions
Animal risk factors include:
- Dark colour or thick textured coats
- Heavy breeds with higher fat percentage
- Animals not used to high humidity
- Animals transported from different climatic zones
Signs of Animal Heat Stress
- High respiration and heart rate
- Panting/open-mouthed breathing
- Excessive salivation or sweating (species dependent)
- Weakness, loss of coordination, or collapse
- Agitation or unusual behaviour
- Loss of appetite
Species - Specific Guidelines
Horses
AgShows NSW recommends following policies from:
Key signs: rapid breathing, flared nostrils, staggering gait, excessive sweating, distressed behaviour.
Cooling: evaporative cooling (sweating + airflow), shade, water.
Cattle
- Most at risk: calves, pregnant cattle, high-yielding dairy cows, animals with respiratory disease.
- Preventative measures: shade, water pools, reduced pen density, cooler handling times.
- Key signs: panting, salivation, trembling, loss of appetite, rectal temp >40°C.
Sheep
- Adaptable but still at risk, particularly lambs, pregnant ewes, recently shorn sheep.
- Shelter: must allow shade and airflow; shade cloth or timber structures recommended.
- Water: 2–6L daily, up to 80% more on hot days.
- Key signs: rapid breathing, loss of coordination, high rectal temp, inability to stand.
Goats
- Experience heat stress above 30°C.
- Require shade, water, and minimal handling.
Alpacas
- Very heat sensitive.
- Cooling methods: shade, cool water spray to skin, damp sand, airflow (fans), reducedhandling.
- Multiple water sources recommended to avoid guarding behaviour.
Pigs
- Highly susceptible; cannot sweat.
- Cooling: wallows, mist sprays, ice blocks, airflow. Avoid cold hosing.
- Key signs: panting, trembling, high rectal temp, inability to stand.
- Pregnant/lactating pigs at highest risk.
Domestic Animals (Dogs & Others)
- Dogs NSW may have guidelines to assist.
- Small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, etc.) are highly susceptible.
- Key signs: panting, cramps, red/dry mucous membranes, weakness, loss of appetite, collapse.
Poultry
- Heat risk begins at 29–35°C; over 37°C, survival is a concern.
- Cooling: misting, shaded housing, airflow, water. Avoid wetting without airflow.
- Key signs: heavy panting, lifting wings, darkened skin.
Farmyard Nursery
Follow relevant species guidelines above
Treatment & Management
Equipment
Keep readily available:
- Ice packs, buckets, scrapers, towels, thermometers
- Fans, hoses, sprinklers, shaded areas, misting bottles
Facilities
- Wash bays with running water
- Ventilated or shaded pavilions
- Avoid bitumen areas; provide airflow
Options & Other Considerations
Depending on severity, consider:
- Removing animal from competition/display
- Relocating to cooler areas or treatment rooms
- Limiting pavilion access
- Cancelling or postponing competitions
- Allowing early exhibitor departure with animals
- Ensure constant clean water
- Sprinkling or spraying only under veterinary advice
- Avoid misting in humid conditions
- Monitor sheets to record animal checks
- Reduce waiting times for competitions
- Make PA announcements as needed
Measuring Heat Stress
Temperature Humidity Index (THI)
- THI > 72 = cows begin experiencing heat stress
- THI > 78 = milk production significantly affected
- THI > 82 = severe stress and possible death
Note: THI does not account for solar radiation or airflow, two critical factors in animal comfort.
Wet Bulb Temperature readings for NSW: Australian BOM Wet Bulb Data