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Ventilation Fans Offset Potential Reductions in Milk Margin from Heat Stress in Wisconsin Dairy Farms

Author

Listed:
  • Neslihan Akdeniz

    (Biological Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA)

  • Leonard Polzin

    (Division of Extension, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA)

Abstract

Heat stress is becoming an increasing concern for dairy farmers due to elevated temperatures and wind shadow caused by rural development. Mechanical ventilation helps mitigate heat stress; however, transitioning from natural to mechanical ventilation increases operational costs. In this study, the number of days with no heat stress, as well as mild, moderate, and severe heat stress, was calculated for Madison, Wisconsin, over the past five years. Monthly milk margins were determined using all milk prices and feed costs from the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. The goal was to compare the potential reduction in milk margin coverage to the electricity costs of operating ventilation fans. The results indicated that while the five-year average milk margin reduction due to heat stress was USD 20,204 for a 600-head facility, the electricity cost accounted for approximately 42.6% of this amount. However, milk margins fluctuated annually due to volatility in milk and feed markets. For example, in 2021, the reduction in milk margins was estimated at USD 9804, while electricity costs reached USD 8574. It was concluded that in some years, when no severe heat stress occurs, the benefits of ventilation may be close to the expenses. Therefore, adhering to best management practices is critical for minimizing electricity costs while using ventilation fans in dairy operations.

Suggested Citation

  • Neslihan Akdeniz & Leonard Polzin, 2025. "Ventilation Fans Offset Potential Reductions in Milk Margin from Heat Stress in Wisconsin Dairy Farms," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-9, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:9:p:955-:d:1644410
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dorin Țogoe & Nicoleta Andreea Mincă, 2024. "The Impact of Heat Stress on the Physiological, Productive, and Reproductive Status of Dairy Cows," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-16, July.
    2. Geqi Yan & Zhengxiang Shi & Hao Li, 2021. "Critical Temperature-Humidity Index Thresholds Based on Surface Temperature for Lactating Dairy Cows in a Temperate Climate," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-16, October.
    3. Ramūnas Antanaitis & Karina Džermeikaitė & Justina Krištolaitytė & Ieva Ribelytė & Agnė Bespalovaitė & Deimantė Bulvičiūtė & Kotryna Tolkačiovaitė & Walter Baumgartner, 2024. "Impact of Heat Stress on the In-Line Registered Milk Fat-to-Protein Ratio and Metabolic Profile in Dairy Cows," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-11, January.
    4. Michele Cerrato & Allegra Iasi & Federica Di Bennardo & Maria Pergola, 2023. "Evaluation of the Economic and Environmental Sustainability of Livestock Farms in Inland Areas," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-17, August.
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