scholarly journals Negative relationship between dry matter intake and the temperature-humidity index with increasing heat stress in cattle: a global meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Chang-Fung-Martel ◽  
M. T. Harrison ◽  
J. N. Brown ◽  
R. Rawnsley ◽  
A. P. Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Temperature Humidity Index ◽  
Lactation Stage ◽  
Humidity Index

AbstractChanges in frequency and severity of heat waves due to climate change pose a considerable challenge to livestock production systems. Although it is well known that heat stress reduces feed intake in cattle, effects of heat stress vary between animal genotypes and climatic conditions and are context specific. To derive a generic global prediction that accounts for the effects of heat stress across genotypes, management and environments, we conducted a systematic literature review and a meta-analysis to assess the relationship between dry matter intake (DMI) and the temperature-humidity index (THI), two reliable variables for the measurement of feed intake and heat stress in cattle, respectively. We analysed this relationship accounting for covariation in countries, breeds, lactation stage and parity, as well as the efficacy of various physical cooling interventions. Our findings show a significant negative correlation (r =  − 0.82) between THI and DMI, with DMI reduced by 0.45 kg/day for every unit increase in THI. Although differences in the DMI-THI relationship between lactating and non-lactating cows were not significant, effects of THI on DMI varied between lactation stages. Physical cooling interventions (e.g. provision of animal shade or shelter) significantly alleviated heat stress and became increasingly important after THI 68, suggesting that this THI value could be viewed as a threshold for which cooling should be provided. Passive cooling (shading) was more effective at alleviating heat stress compared with active cooling interventions (sprinklers). Our results provide a high-level global equation for THI-DMI across studies, allowing next-users to predict effects of heat stress across environments and animal genotypes.

scholarly journals Critical Temperature-Humidity Index Thresholds for Dry Cows in a Subtropical Climate

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Véronique Ouellet ◽  
Izabella M. Toledo ◽  
Bethany Dado-Senn ◽  
Geoffrey E. Dahl ◽  
Jimena Laporta
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Respiration Rate ◽  
Rectal Temperature ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Subtropical Climate ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Environmental Indices ◽  
Temperature Humidity Index ◽  
Humidity Index

The effects of heat stress on dry cows are profound and significantly contribute to lower overall welfare, productivity, and profitability of the dairy sector. Although dry cows are more thermotolerant than lactating cows due to their non-lactating state, similar environmental thresholds are currently used to estimate the degree of heat strain and cooling requirements. Records of dry cow studies conducted over 5 years in Gainesville, Florida, USA were pooled and analyzed to determine environmental thresholds at which dry cows exhibit signs of heat stress in a subtropical climate. Dry-pregnant multiparous dams were actively cooled (CL; shade of a freestall barn, fans and water soakers, n = 107) or not (HT; shade only, n = 111) during the last 7 weeks of gestation, concurrent with the entire dry period. Heat stress environmental indices, including ambient temperature, relative humidity, and temperature-humidity index (THI), and animal-based indices, including respiration rate, rectal temperature and daily dry matter intake were recorded in all studies. Simple correlations were performed between temperature-humidity index and each animal-based indicator. Differences in respiration rate, rectal temperature and dry matter intake between treatments were analyzed by multiple regression. Using segmented regression, temperature-humidity thresholds for significant changes in animal-based indicators of heat stress were estimated. Stronger significant correlations were found between the temperature-humidity index and all animal-based indices measured in HT dry cows (−0.22 ≤ r ≤ 0.35) relative to CL dry cows (−0.13 ≤ r ≤ 0.19). Although exposed to similar temperature-humidity index, rectal temperature (+0.3°C; P < 0.001) and respiration rate (+23 breaths/min; P < 0.001) were elevated in HT dry cows compared with CL cows whereas dry matter intake (−0.4 kg of dry matter/d; P = 0.003) was reduced. Temperature-humidity index thresholds at which respiration rate and rectal temperature began to change were both determined at a THI of 77 in HT dry cows. No significant temperature-humidity threshold was detected for dry matter intake. At a practical level, our results demonstrate that dry cow respiration rate and rectal temperature increased abruptly at a THI of 77 when provided only shade and managed in a subtropical climate. Therefore, in the absence of active cooling, dry cows should be closely monitored when or before THI reaches 77 to avoid further heat-stress related impairments during the dry period and the subsequent lactation and to mitigate potential carry-over effects on the offspring.

scholarly journals Intake, physiological parameters and behavior of Angus and Nellore bulls subjected to heat stress

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (6Supl2) ◽  
pp. 4565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ériton Egidio Lisboa Valente ◽  
Mario Luiz Chizzotti ◽  
Cristiane Viol Ribeiro de Oliveira ◽  
Matheus Castilho Galvão ◽  
Silas Sebastião Domingues ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Water Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
High Heat ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Effect Of Temperature ◽  
Period 2 ◽  
Humidity Index ◽  
And Behavior

<p>Genetics differences between breeds may determine the tolerance to high temperature, effect dry matter intake and consequently cattle performance. The effect of temperature and humidity index (THI) on diurnal, nocturnal and daily intake, water intake, physiologic parameters and behavior of Nellore (<em>B. indicus</em>) and Angus (<em>B. taurus</em>) bulls were evaluated. Eight Angus and eight Nellore young bulls (337±7.4 kg and 16 months of age) were allocated in two climate-controlled rooms for 32 days. In the period 1, all bulls were housed in thermoneutral conditions (TN, THI = 72.6) for 10 days. In period 2 (10 days), four Angus and four Nellore bulls were subjected to low heat stress (LHS, THI = 76.4) in daytime, and four Angus and four Nellore bulls were subjected to high heat stress (HHS, THI = 81.5) in daytime. The diurnal and daily dry matter intake (DMI) of Nellore were not affected (P&gt;0.05) by heat stress. However, Angus bulls decreased diurnal DMI by 24% and daily DMI decreased (P&lt;0.05) by 15% on HHS. In TN Angus bulls had higher (P&lt;0.05) daily DMI (36.2 g/kg of BW) than Nellore (29.1 g/kg of BW), but in HHS they had similar (P&gt;0.05) daily DMI (31.6 and 30.2 g/kg of BW, respectively). We observed an increase (P&lt;0.05) in respiratory frequency, but water intake was not affected (P&gt;0.05) by heat stress. The heart rate decreased (P&lt;0.05) with heat stress. No differences were found (P&gt;0.05) in feeding behavior. Therefore, THI stress threshold should distinct for Angus and Nellore bulls. The use of feed intake information may improve the prediction of thermic discomfort on specific climate condition. </p>

Responses of dairy cows to short-term heat stress in controlled-climate chambers

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 1233 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. B. Garner ◽  
M. Douglas ◽  
S. R. O. Williams ◽  
W. J. Wales ◽  
L. C. Marett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Temperate Climate ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Temperature And Humidity ◽  
Humidity Index

The objective of the present research was to describe the physiological and production responses of lactating dairy cows during and after sudden exposure to temperate-climate heat-wave conditions, compared with cows in thermoneutral conditions. Twelve lactating multiparous Holstein–Friesian dairy cows were housed in controlled-climate chambers for 4 days. Six were exposed to a short-term temperature and humidity challenge (THc, diurnal temperature and humidity fluctuations inducing moderate heat stress; temperature humidity index 74–84) and six cows were exposed to thermoneutral conditions (THn, temperatur humidity index 55–61). Cows were also measured during a 7-day pre-experimental and 14-day post-experimental period. Physiological indicators of heat stress were measured, including rectal and vaginal temperature and respiration rate, which indicated that the THc in controlled-climate chambers induced moderate heat stress. The cows exposed to the 4-day THc reduced their milk yield by 53% and their dry-matter intake by 48%, compared with the cows in the THn treatment. Milk yield of THc cows returned to pre-experimental milk yield by Day 7 and dry-matter intake by Day 4 of the post-experimental period. The short-term heat challenge induced metabolic adaptations by mobilising adipose tissue, as indicated by increased non-esterified fatty acids, and amino acids from skeletal muscle, as indicated by increased urea nitrogen to compensate for reduced nutrient intake and increased energy expenditure. Endocrine responses included greater prolactin concentrations, which is associated with thermoregulation and water metabolism. The cows exposed to THc displayed production and physical responses that facilitated lower metabolic heat production and greater heat dissipation in an attempt to maintain homeostasis during the short-term heat exposure. These results indicated that the conditions imposed on the cows in the controlled-climate chambers were sufficient to induce heat-stress responses and adversely affected production in the lactating dairy cow, and the delay between the return to normal feed intake and milk yield following the heat challenge suggests a period of metabolic recovery was occurring.

scholarly journals Relationship between Temperature-humidity Index and Milk Production of Dairy Cows in Tropical Climate

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Narmilan ◽  
N. Puvanitha ◽  
A. Sharfan Ahamed ◽  
S. Santhirakumar
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
Temperature Humidity Index ◽  
Meteorological Observatory ◽  
Humidity Index

Background: Dairy cattle in many tropical, subtropical and semi-arid regions are subject to high ambient temperature and relative humidity for extended periods of time. This compromises the ability of the lactating cows to dissipate heat, resulting in heat stress and decreasing milk production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the temperature-humidity index (THI) on milk production in cows in the study area. Methods: Data on monthly milk production (2017 to 2019) was collected from the Department of Animal Production and Health, Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka and the monthly weather data (2017 to 2019) required for the study was collected from the Meteorological Observatory Station in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze interaction between milk production and weather parameters. The monthly THI values were determined for each year.Result: Statistically significant negative relationship (p less than 0.05) was found between milk production and THI in 2017, 2018 and from 2017 to 2019 except 2019 due to the sudden death of cattle in Batticaloa district. Results of all three years indicated that milk production decreases as THI increases. It is concluded that the milk yield of cows is influenced significantly by heat stress during the dry season from April to August between 2017 and 2019, proper management strategies could be helpful to minimize heat stress to attain optimal performance of dairy cows.

scholarly journals Effects of Replacing Grass with Foliage on Growth Rate and Feed Intake in Goats—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3163
Author(s):  
Cecilia Kronqvist ◽  
Daovy Kongmanila ◽  
Ewa Wredle
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
General Effect ◽  
Average Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Positive Effect

Small ruminants such as goats have a higher preference for browse species than cattle and sheep. In a meta-analysis of 42 papers describing 117 experimental treatments found by a search performed in June 2021 in PubMed and Web of Knowledge, we examined the general effect of including foliage in the diet of goats, replacing grasses, on dry matter intake and average daily weight gain. The inclusion requirement for a paper was that it described a controlled trial with a control diet of grass and with grass replaced by foliage in the experimental diet. Publication bias was estimated by calculating the Fail-safe n. Random effects analyses were conducted, using effect size calculated as Hedges’ d. The results showed that inclusion of foliage increased feed intake (Hedges’ d = 1.350, SE = 0.388) and average daily weight gain (Hedges’ d = 1.417, SE = 0.444) compared with a grass-based control. The positive effect of foliage inclusion on dry matter intake was associated with lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and higher crude protein (CP) in the foliage than in the grass it replaced. The positive effect on average daily weight gain was associated with higher CP concentration in the foliage than in grass. Foliage inclusion level showed a quadratic relationship with dry matter intake, with maximum dry matter intake achieved at a level of 50–60%. There was wide variation between the studies reviewed, and this variation was not reduced by subgroup analysis based on different kinds of foliage. In conclusion, the addition of foliage to goat diets can increase feed intake and daily weight gain, as an effect of the dietary preferences of goats and of generally higher nutritional value in foliage species compared with natural/semi-natural grass species.

scholarly journals Intake, physiological parameters and behavior of Angus and Nellore bulls subjected to heat stress

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (6Supl2) ◽  
pp. 4565
Author(s):  
Ériton Egidio Lisboa Valente ◽  
Mario Luiz Chizzotti ◽  
Cristiane Viol Ribeiro de Oliveira ◽  
Matheus Castilho Galvão ◽  
Silas Sebastião Domingues ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Water Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
High Heat ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Effect Of Temperature ◽  
Period 2 ◽  
Humidity Index ◽  
And Behavior

Genetics differences between breeds may determine the tolerance to high temperature, effect dry matter intake and consequently cattle performance. The effect of temperature and humidity index (THI) on diurnal, nocturnal and daily intake, water intake, physiologic parameters and behavior of Nellore (B. indicus) and Angus (B. taurus) bulls were evaluated. Eight Angus and eight Nellore young bulls (337±7.4 kg and 16 months of age) were allocated in two climate-controlled rooms for 32 days. In the period 1, all bulls were housed in thermoneutral conditions (TN, THI = 72.6) for 10 days. In period 2 (10 days), four Angus and four Nellore bulls were subjected to low heat stress (LHS, THI = 76.4) in daytime, and four Angus and four Nellore bulls were subjected to high heat stress (HHS, THI = 81.5) in daytime. The diurnal and daily dry matter intake (DMI) of Nellore were not affected (P>0.05) by heat stress. However, Angus bulls decreased diurnal DMI by 24% and daily DMI decreased (P<0.05) by 15% on HHS. In TN Angus bulls had higher (P<0.05) daily DMI (36.2 g/kg of BW) than Nellore (29.1 g/kg of BW), but in HHS they had similar (P>0.05) daily DMI (31.6 and 30.2 g/kg of BW, respectively). We observed an increase (P<0.05) in respiratory frequency, but water intake was not affected (P>0.05) by heat stress. The heart rate decreased (P<0.05) with heat stress. No differences were found (P>0.05) in feeding behavior. Therefore, THI stress threshold should distinct for Angus and Nellore bulls. The use of feed intake information may improve the prediction of thermic discomfort on specific climate condition.

Impact of diet composition and temperature-humidity index on water and dry matter intake of high-yielding dairy cows

2017 ◽  
Vol 102 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Ammer ◽  
C. Lambertz ◽  
D. von Soosten ◽  
K. Zimmer ◽  
U. Meyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Diet Composition ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Temperature Humidity Index ◽  
Humidity Index

scholarly journals Influence of Residual Feed Intake and Cow Age on Dry Matter Intake Post-Weaning and Peak Lactation of Black Angus Cows

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1822
Author(s):  
Cory T. Parsons ◽  
Julia M. Dafoe ◽  
Samuel A. Wyffels ◽  
Timothy DelCurto ◽  
Darrin L. Boss
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Free Choice ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Age Effect ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Intake Rate ◽  
Two Stages

We evaluated heifer post-weaning residual feed intake (RFI) classification and cow age on dry matter intake (DMI) at two stages of production. Fifty-nine non-lactating, pregnant, (Study 1) and fifty-four lactating, non-pregnant (Study 2) commercial black Angus beef cows were grouped by age and RFI. Free-choice, hay pellets were fed in a GrowSafe feeding system. In Study 1, cow DMI (kg/d) and intake rate (g/min) displayed a cow age effect (p < 0.01) with an increase in DMI and intake rate with increasing cow age. In Study 2, cow DMI (kg/d) and intake rate (g/min) displayed a cow age effect (p < 0.02) with an increase in DMI and intake rate with increasing cow age. Milk production displayed a cow age × RFI interaction (p < 0.01) where both 5–6-year-old and 8–9-year-old low RFI cows produced more milk than high RFI cows. For both studies, intake and intake behavior were not influenced by RFI (p ≥ 0.16) or cow age × RFI interaction (p ≥ 0.21). In summary, heifer’s post-weaning RFI had minimal effects on beef cattle DMI or intake behavior, however, some differences were observed in milk production.

Wetting and the physiological responses of grain-fed cattle in a heated environment

2004 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 253 ◽  
Author(s):  
John B. Gaughan ◽  
M. Shane Davis ◽  
Terry L. Mader
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Experimental Design ◽  
Rectal Temperature ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Metabolic Responses ◽  
Hot Days ◽  
Carry Over

A controlled crossover experimental design was used to determine the effect of altered water sprinkling duration on heifers subjected to heat stress conditions. Heifers were subjected to 3 days of thermoneutral conditions followed by 3 days of hot conditions accompanied by water sprinkling between 1300 and 1500 h (HOT1–3). Then on the following 2 days (HOT4–5), environmental conditions remained similar, but 3 heifers were sprinkled between 1200 and 1600 h (WET) and 3 were not sprinkled (NONWET). This was followed by a 1-day period (HOT6) in which environmental conditions and sprinkling regimen were similar to HOT1–3. Rectal temperature (RT) was collected hourly, and respiration rate (RR) was monitored every 2 h on HOT Days 2, 4, 5, and 6. Dry matter intake and rate of eating were also determined. Sprinkling reduced RR and RT (P < 0.01) of all heifers during HOT1–3. During HOT4–5, WET heifers had lower (P < 0.05) RT than NONWET from 1300 to 700 h and lower RR from 1400 to 2000 h. Dry matter intake of NONWET heifers was reduced by 30.6% (P < 0.05) during HOT4–5 and by 51.2% on HOT6. On HOT4–5 the dry matter intakes of WET heifers were similar to intakes under thermoneutral conditions. During HOT6, RT was again reduced following sprinkling in all heifers. Comparison of RT and RR of NONWET and WET heifers on HOT1–3 v. HOT6 revealed that under similar environmental conditions, NONWET heifers had increased RT, partially due to carry-over from HOT4–5. However, NONWET heifers had 40% lower feed intake but tended to have lower RR on HOT6 v. HOT1–3. Only RR of WET heifers was greater on HOT6, possibly a result of switching from a 4-h back to a 2-h sprinkling period, while maintaining a 62% greater intake (5.80 v. 3.58 kg/day) than NONWET heifers during this time. Results suggest that inconsistent cooling regimens may increase the susceptibility of cattle to heat stress and elicit different physiological and metabolic responses.

Daily methane emissions and emission intensity of grazing beef cattle genetically divergent for residual feed intake

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 627 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. I. Velazco ◽  
R. M. Herd ◽  
D. J. Cottle ◽  
R. S. Hegarty
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Emission Intensity ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Conversion Ratio ◽  
Feed Conversion Ratio ◽  
Breeding Value ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Feed Conversion

As daily methane production (DMP; g CH4/day) is strongly correlated with dry matter intake (DMI), the breeding of cattle that require less feed to achieve a desired rate of average daily gain (ADG) by selection for a low residual feed intake (RFI) can be expected to reduce DMP and also emission intensity (EI; g CH4/kg ADG). An experiment was conducted to compare DMP and EI of Angus cattle genetically divergent for RFI and 400-day weight (400dWT). In a 6-week grazing study, 64 yearling-age cattle (30 steers, 34 heifers) were grazed on temperate pastures, with heifers and steers grazing separate paddocks. Liveweight (LW) was monitored weekly and DMP of individual cattle was measured by a GreenFeed emission monitoring unit in each paddock. Thirty-nine of the possible 64 animals had emission data recorded for 15 or more days, and only data for these animals were analysed. For these cattle, regression against their mid-parent estimated breeding value (EBV) for post-weaning RFI (RFI-EBV) showed that a lower RFI-EBV was associated with higher LW at the start of experiment. Predicted dry matter intake (pDMI), predicted DMP (pDMP) and measured DMP (mDMP) were all negatively correlated with RFI-EBV (P < 0.05), whereas ADG, EI, predicted CH4 yield (pMY; g CH4/kg DMI) were not correlated with RFI-EBV (P > 0.1). Daily CH4 production was positively correlated with animal LW and ADG (P < 0.05). The associations between ADG and its dependent traits EI and pMY and predicted feed conversion ratio (kg pDMI/kg ADG) were strongly negative (r = –0.82, –0.57 and –0.85, P < 0.001) implying that faster daily growth by cattle was accompanied by lower EI, MY and feed conversion ratio. These results show that cattle genetically divergent for RFI do not necessarily differ in ADG, EI or pMY on pasture and that, if heavier, cattle with lower RFI-EBV can actually have higher DMP while grazing moderate quality pastures.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document