WATERTOWN, S.D. (AP) -- Cattle losses due to the recent excessive heat are being reported across the state.

Estelline Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Nystrom tells KWAT radio that more than 200 head of cattle at a feedlot near that town have died.

Grant County Extension Livestock Specialist Duaine Marxen tells KXLG radio that it's important for livestock producers to keep close watch on their herds but not overreact.

Marxen says spraying extremely hot cattle with water actually does more harm than good as their capillaries in the skin surface can shut down and get tight.

He suggests providing whatever shade and breeze is possible. Ranchers can also go into the lot, push up a mound of dirt and water down the mound to give cattle a cool space.

Copyright 2011 The AP.