Therio

The Digital Heartbeat of Dairy Cows

CoolTech Dairy Systems Cow Cooling Soakers

By CoolTech Dairy Systems

Last reviewed: December 2025

Soaker systems wet cow hides with water that evaporates for cooling, providing effective heat stress relief when combined with forced air movement.

Overview

Cow cooling soaker systems wet the cow's hide with water, which evaporates and removes body heat. Combined with air movement, soakers provide effective evaporative cooling for dairy cattle.

How Soakers Work

Evaporative Cooling Principle

  • Water applied to cow's back
  • Air movement promotes evaporation
  • Evaporation removes body heat
  • Core temperature reduced
  • Cycle Operation

  • Wet cycle: Soak cow for 1-3 minutes
  • Dry cycle: Allow evaporation for 5-15 minutes
  • Repeat based on temperature
  • System Components

    Spray Nozzles

  • Low-pressure, high-volume designs
  • Large droplets that penetrate hair coat
  • Corrosion-resistant materials
  • Piping

  • PVC or galvanized systems
  • Proper sizing for flow
  • Drainage consideration
  • Controls

  • Timer systems
  • Temperature-activated
  • Holding pen activation
  • Fans

    Essential component - soakers without air movement are ineffective.

    Key Locations

    Holding Areas

    Pre-milking cooling reduces heat stress.

    Exit Lanes

    Cool cows returning from parlor.

    Feedline

    Encourage eating during hot weather.

    Best Practices

    Water Volume

    Large droplets that wet to skin, not fine mist.

    Timing

    Start before peak heat, run through afternoon.

    Air Movement

    Minimum 5-7 mph air velocity during dry cycle.

    Stall Considerations

    Avoid soaking over freestalls if possible.

    Benefits

    Production Maintenance

    Cows eating and producing during heat stress.

    Reproduction

    Better fertility during summer breeding.

    Health

    Reduced heat-related illness and mortality.

    Water Considerations

    Quality

    Clean, non-corrosive water source.

    Drainage

    Manage excess water in facility.

    Conservation

    Use water efficiently through proper cycling.

    Key Features

    • Large Droplet Nozzles: Thorough hide wetting without misting
    • Timer Controls: Programmable wet/dry cycles
    • Strategic Placement: Target high-heat-stress areas
    • Water Efficiency: Designed to minimize waste
    • Durable Materials: Corrosion-resistant for barn environments

    Advanced Features

    • Temperature Activation: Automatic operation based on conditions
    • Variable Cycling: Adjustable wet/dry timing
    • Fan Integration: Coordinated with ventilation systems

    Ideal For

    Farm Types: Dairy farms, All housing types

    Competitive Advantages

    What sets Cow Cooling Soakers apart from alternatives:

    • Direct, effective cooling method
    • Lower capital cost than air conditioning
    • Proven technology with measurable results
    • Flexible installation options

    Pricing Information

    Here is the pricing information for Cow Cooling Soakers:

    Cow cooling soaker/sprinkler systems for heat stress management.

    Pricing Model: Per-soaker system installation

    CoolTech, Shade and Cool, and other manufacturers. Essential for hot climate dairies.

    Pros & Considerations

    Advantages:
    • Active cow cooling
    • Proven heat stress reduction
    • Increases milk production
    • Targeted application
    • Research-backed benefits
    Considerations:
    • Water requirements
    • Installation costs
    • Drainage management
    • Operation monitoring

    Implementation & Setup

    How to implement Cow Cooling Soakers on your dairy operation:

    Implementation Timeline: 1-3 days installation

    Training & Support

    Training and support options available for Cow Cooling Soakers:

    Support Channels:

      Evaluation Questions

      Key questions to consider when evaluating Cow Cooling Soakers:

      1. Which areas have the highest heat stress impact?
      2. What is your water supply capacity?
      3. How will you handle drainage?
      4. What fan systems are available for evaporation?

      Explore Ventilation & Cooling Systems

      Explore all Ventilation & Cooling Systems solutions in the Therio Dairy Directory to compare features, pricing, and alternatives.

      Browse All Ventilation & Cooling Systems Solutions →

      Related Products in Ventilation & Cooling Systems

      Tunnel Ventilation Systems
      High-Volume Low-Speed Fans
      Evaporative Cooling Pads
      VES Ventilation & Tunnel Fans
      What Are Cow Cooling Sprinklers?

      Related Articles

      Dairy Industry News Roundup: Week of February 14 - February 20, 2026
      USDA Announces $148 Million in Dairy Purchases as Part of $263 Million Food Buy
      Dairy Industry News Roundup: Week of February 7 - February 13, 2026
      World Ag Expo 2026: Live Updates from Tulare
      Dairy Industry News Roundup: Week of January 31 - February 6, 2026

      Therio Research Guides

      Expert, editorially independent guides comparing dairy technology products and platforms: