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The Citizen, 1991-07-03, Page 24PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 1991. Heat brings added stress for top cows BY DENNIS MARTIN FARM MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST OMAF, HURON COUNTY Hot, humid weather conditions can add to the stress of a high-pro­ ducing cow. One of the first effects of heat stress is reduced feed intake which has a direct impact on lower­ ing production and reproductive performance. The table below indicates the effect of ambient temperatures on feed intake. Leadership in Action topic of Lindsay conference Leadership in Action (LIA) is shaping up to be the greatest lead­ ership development conference for rural people this year. Registrations for this five-day program are pour­ ing in from across the province. Approximately 60 people from a wide variety of rural organizations will be gathering at Bark Lake Leadership Centre near Irondale, northeast of Lindsay, from Septem­ ber 11 - 15. Their reasons for attending are as diverse as the peo­ ple who will be there. Leadership in Action may not answer every concern or question that you may have, but past partici­ pants have given high marks to the program. The ideas are practical, the skills useful and the people ... maybe that's the most important part of LIA. The people are from all over the province, representing both local and provincial rural and agricultural organizations: all ages, all experiences. They are the emerging leaders in their group, already actively involved in an adult organization, and ready to move up. Full of energy and ideas, ready to leant what it takes to be a truly effective leaders. There arc a few spots remaining open for you to participate in this program. So if you're interested in developing your leadership ability, in meeting people, and enjoying a resort-like setting at the same time, then plan to attend Leadership in Action! For more information, please contact your local OMAF office, or write: Leadership in Action Box 1030 Guelph, Ontario. N1H6N1 Application deadline is August 9, 1991. VON holds annual meeting at Stratford The 81st annual meeting of the Victorian Order of Nurses, Perth- Huron Branch was held Thursday, May 31, at the Stratford Canadian Legion. There were 87 guests for the din­ ner and annual business meeting. The guest speaker was Bruce McCall from Brussels. Volunteers working in the VON Adult Day Centre program and resigning members of the Board of Directors were recognized with a Certificate Appreciation. The nursing program had an 18 per cent growth from the previous year, resulting in a total of 39,959 visits for the 1990 91 fiscal year. This past year intravenous therapy, a new Clinical service, was per­ formed by the nursing staff in the home setting. Group sponsored foolcare clinics continue to be held monthly in Stratford and Listowel. Breed Tcmp.C Feed Intake Holstein 21 Starts declining Jersey 24 Starts declining Brown Swiss 27 Starts declining Holstein 32 20% down Holstein 40 No intake The normal comfort zone of a dairy cow lies in the range of seven degrees to 18 degrees C. Exposure to direct sunlight or lack of shade is a major cause of heat stress. Four to five square meters of shade should be provided per cow. It is important that the shaded area is open sided and not muddy to allow any wind or breeze to continually exchange the air under the shade. In addition, lactat­ ing cows should always have feed and cool, clean water available in the shade. Since feed intake is reduced dur­ ing the hot weather, increase the concentration of the ration to ensure adequate nutrient intake. Feeding fat will also increase the energy concentration of the ration without the detrimental effects of excess grain levels. The primary objectives of a good summer feeding program are: 1) Maintain adequate nutrient intake 2) Maintain "effective" fibre intake 3) Feed to keep rumen function­ ing well 4) Reduce feed heat increment to the cow 5) Maintain milk and butterfat production.