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heat stress in dairy cow/cattle
heat stress management in dairy cows
how to reduce heat stress in cows
temperature humidity index
With rising outdoor temperatures, a cow’s body temperature also rises. This comes along with an increase in respiratory rate, salivation and water consumption, indicating noticeable discomfort. What follows is usually a drop in dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and milk fat production, and impaired reproductive performance. High producing and fresh cows are particularly affected. However, heat stress also has an underestimated negative effect on dry cows and heifers. Several physiological changes are connected to heat stress in dairy cows.
For example, the alteration of blood flow distribution towards the peripheral tissues helps the cow cope with the heat by increasing heat loss. Panting is also a way of cooling the body, which is important for cattle as their ability to sweat is limited. However, with increased panting, the acid-base balance and pH of the blood might be altered, possibly leading to respiratory alkalosis.
On the other hand, the shift towards higher proportions of grain in summer diets might influence the rumen and result in rumen acidosis. As such, the subsequent drop in DMI and milk yield and failures in reproductive performance are not surprising.
A factor worsening heat stress are the mycotoxins ergot alkaloids, which are known to have a vasoconstrictive effect (reduced blood flow). This negatively affects the cows`ability to cope with heat stress.
Provide adequate cooling, using air flow, sprinklers and shade
Provide adequate clean water, especially after milking
Split daily ration: 40% early morning, 60% late afternoon
Supply high quality forage
provide yeast
provide toxin binders
buffers
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