IFAS Extension
Economic Feasibility of Cooling Dry Cows: Findings and Spreadsheet
, Geoffrey Dahl, andAlbert De Vries
Release Date: 8/11/2026
Agriculture
Abstract
The negative effects of heat stress in lactating cows are well known, but only recent studies have explored those effects along with the full benefits of cooling dry cows. Recent work at the University of Florida has demonstrated the benefits of dry cow cooling on calf performance and cow health in the next lactation. This 5-page fact sheet discusses the economic losses from milk production due to heat stress, investment, utilities, maintenance, and feasibility analysis.
About this Publication
This document is AN342, one of a series of the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences. Original publication date March 2018. Revised July 2026. Visit the Ask IFAS website at https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/ for the currently supported version of this publication.
How to Cite
Ferreira, F., Dahl, G. E., & De Vries, A. (2018). Economic Feasibility of Cooling Dry Cows: Findings and Spreadsheet. EDIS, 2018(2). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-an342-2018
Authors
Fernanda Ferreira
former graduate student (animal science Ph.D., 2018), UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences
Geoffrey Dahl
Specialist
University of Florida
professor, UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences
Albert De Vries
Specialist
University of Florida
professor, dairy management and economics, UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences