Relationship of the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) with Ovarian Responses and Embryo Production in Superovulated Thai-Holstein Crossbreds under Tropical Climate Conditions

Heat stress strongly negatively affects reproductive traits in dairy cattle. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of heat stress in superstimulated Thai-Holstein crossbreds under tropical climate conditions. Data included 75 records from 12 superovulated Thai-Holstein crossbreds between 2018 and 2020. Cows were superstimulated with conventional treatment. The mean temperature-humidity index (THI) was evaluated for three data collection periods: during the 9, 21 and 42-day periods before the insemination day to determine the period in which THI mostly affected superstimulation responses. The THI levels/thresholds were determined and interpreted together with the superovulatory response. A significantly negative correlation was obtained for the THI during the period 9 days before insemination. Negative effects on the number of large follicles and corpora lutea began at a THI of 72 and were apparently severe after a THI of 77, similar to the ovulation rate, fertilized ova and transferable embryos (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, more degenerated embryos were found with THI values (p < 0.05). The superovulatory response in Thai-Holstein crossbreds under tropical climate conditions is highly affected by heat stress starting at a THI of 72 and becomes more severe at a THI higher than 77.

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Effects of Melatonin Administration to Pregnant Ewes under Heat-Stress Conditions, in Redox Status and Reproductive Outcome

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox9030266 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 266

Author(s):

Efterpi Bouroutzika ◽

Dimitrios Kouretas ◽

Serafeim Papadopoulos ◽

Aristidis S. Veskoukis ◽

Ekaterini Theodosiadou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Reactive Oxygen Species Generation ◽

Reproductive Traits ◽

Redox Status ◽

Oxygen Species ◽

Foetal Development ◽

Melatonin Administration ◽

Humidity Index ◽

The Mean ◽

And Control

Heat stress is a known promoter of reactive oxygen species generation, which may compromise pregnancy and foetal development. Melatonin is a pleiotropic molecule that regulates various processes including pregnancy. Thus, it could be used to ameliorate the redox status of pregnant heat-stressed ewes and the outcome of their pregnancy. Sixty-eight ewes participated in the study, which were allocated into two equal groups, i.e., Melatonin (M) and Control (C) group. All ewes were exposed to heat stress from D0 to D120. In both groups, after oestrus synchronization of ewes, rams were introduced to them for mating (D16). In M group, starting with sponges’ insertion (D0), melatonin implants were administered four-fold every 40 days. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by means of ultrasonography. Daily evaluation of temperature humidity index (THI), rectal temperature, and breathing rate were performed throughout the study. Blood samples were collected repeatedly from D0 until weaning for assaying redox biomarkers. Milk yield was measured thrice during puerperium. The results showed that melatonin administration throughout pregnancy improved the redox status of heat-stressed ewes and increased the mean number and bodyweight of lambs born per ewe, as well as the milk production. Therefore, melatonin may be used as antioxidant regimen in heat-stressed ewes for improving their reproductive traits.

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Characterization of Short-Term Heat Stress in Holstein Dairy Cows Using Altered Indicators of Metabolomics, Blood Parameters, Milk MicroRNA-216 and Characteristics

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11030722 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 722

Author(s):

Jang-Hoon Jo ◽

Jalil Ghassemi Nejad ◽

Dong-Qiao Peng ◽

Hye-Ran Kim ◽

Sang-Ho Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Milk Yield ◽

Milk Fat ◽

Blood Parameters ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Short Term ◽

Lactating Cows ◽

Humidity Index ◽

Holstein Dairy Cows

This study aims to characterize the influence of short-term heat stress (HS; 4 day) in early lactating Holstein dairy cows, in terms of triggering blood metabolomics and parameters, milk yield and composition, and milk microRNA expression. Eight cows (milk yield = 30 ± 1.5 kg/day, parity = 1.09 ± 0.05) were homogeneously housed in environmentally controlled chambers, assigned into two groups with respect to the temperature humidity index (THI) at two distinct levels: approximately ~71 (low-temperature, low-humidity; LTLH) and ~86 (high-temperature, high-humidity; HTHH). Average feed intake (FI) dropped about 10 kg in the HTHH group, compared with the LTLH group (p = 0.001), whereas water intake was only numerically higher (p = 0.183) in the HTHH group than in the LTLH group. Physiological parameters, including rectal temperature (p = 0.001) and heart rate (p = 0.038), were significantly higher in the HTHH group than in the LTLH group. Plasma cortisol and haptoglobin were higher (p < 0.05) in the HTHH group, compared to the LTLH group. Milk yield, milk fat yield, 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM), and energy-corrected milk (ECM) were lower (p < 0.05) in the HTHH group than in the LTLH group. Higher relative expression of milk miRNA-216 was observed in the HTHH group (p < 0.05). Valine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, lactic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, 1,5-anhydro-D-sorbitol, myo-inositol, and urea were decreased (p < 0.05). These results suggest that early lactating cows are more vulnerable to short-term (4 day) high THI levels—that is, HTHH conditions—compared with LTLH, considering the enormous negative effects observed in measured blood metabolomics and parameters, milk yield and compositions, and milk miRNA-216 expression.

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

Frontiers in Animal Science ◽

10.3389/fanim.2021.706636 ◽

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.

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Physiological parameters of male goats raised under tropical climate conditions (Brazil)

Research Society and Development ◽

10.33448/rsd-v9i9.7698 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. e768997698

Author(s):

Julio Cesar Oliveira Dias ◽

Cristina Mattos Veloso ◽

Madriano Christilis da Rocha Santos ◽

Carlos Thiago Silveira Alvim Mendes de Oliveira ◽

Camila Oliveira Silveira

Keyword(s):

Complete Blood Count ◽

Hematological Parameters ◽

Experimental Period ◽

Tropical Climate ◽

Physiological Parameters ◽

Climate Conditions ◽

Mean Values ◽

Humidity Index ◽

Globe Temperature ◽

Hormonal Levels

This study evaluated the adaptive capacity and variations in physiological parameters of four male goats originate from a temperate region (Alpine breed) in a tropical climate over twelve months. The ambient temperature, relative humidity, and temperature via a black globe thermometer were evaluated to calculate the black globe temperature and humidity index; they were collected five times during the day, three times during the week, and during the four annual seasons. Every fortnight throughout the experimental period, respiratory and heart rates as well as rectal and surface temperatures of the animals were measured in the morning, and blood samples were acquired for hormonal levels (cortisol, T3, and T4) and complete blood count. There was a difference between the mean values of surface temperature, respiratory rate, hormones, and some hematological parameters (total protein and monocytes) between the seasons (P<0.05). However, no differences were observed in cases of heat stress, based on the fact that physiological parameters were within normal and expected limits for goats. Thus, it is concluded that the male goats of the Alpine breed, when reared intensively, maintain homeothermia and are greatly adaptable to the conditions of the tropical climate.

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289 Phytogenic Feed Additives as a Potential Strategy to Mitigate the Negative Effects of Heat Stress in Growing Heifers

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab235.288 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 156-157

Author(s):

Shelby M Ramirez ◽

Janaka Wickramasinghe ◽

Nadiia Stepanchenko ◽

Maria Oconitrillo ◽

Jayamuni Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Recovery Period ◽

Random Effect ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Feed Additives ◽

Feed Additive ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Humidity Index ◽

Potential Strategy

Abstract Phytogenic feed additives that contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may have potential to reduce inflammation and oxidation observed during bouts of heat stress. The trial objective was to determine the effects of a phytogenic feed additive on markers of stress in heifers subjected to diurnal heat stress (dHS). Eighteen Holstein and four Jersey heifers (5–6 months of age; d1 BW=205±9 kg) were assigned to two dietary treatments (n = 11) based on breed and age; 1) a basal TMR diet (CTL), 2) CTL supplemented with 0.25 g/head/d of a proprietary blend of phytogenics (PFA; BIOMIN America, Inc., Overland Park, KS). Heifers were housed individually and fed their respective treatments for 14d prior to dHS (d-14-1), subjected dHS (d1-7), and followed through a recovery period (d8-11). Weights were collected at d1 (baseline), d7 (end of dHS), and d11 (end of recovery). The temperature set point was assigned at 33°C from 0900 to 2100 h and allowed to equilibrate with outside temperature during night (24°C) for a total of 7d dHS. Total DMI (tDMI) and DMI from 0900 to 2100 h (hsDMI) were recorded daily. Serum was collected at d1, 2, 7 and 11 to determine effect of treatment on markers of oxidation, inflammation, and stress. Treatment effects were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS with treatment and time as fixed effects and heifer as a random effect. Temperature humidity index during dHS was greater during the day (84.5) versus night (73.3). There were no treatment differences (P>0.05) in d 0–11 on ADG, ADFI, or GF between treatments. However, PFA numerically increased hsDMI, reduced (P< 0.05) haptoglobin and tended to reduce (P< 0.10) lipopolysaccharide binding protein compared with CTL. Overall, dietary PFA may be a potential strategy to mitigate the stresses that heifers experience during dHS.

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Measurement of heat stress conditions at cow level and comparison to climate conditions at stationary locations inside a dairy barn

Journal of Dairy Research ◽

10.1017/s0022029916000388 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 83 (3) ◽

pp. 305-311 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Laura K Schüller ◽

Wolfgang Heuwieser

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Great Distance ◽

Stress Conditions ◽

Climate Conditions ◽

Air Supply ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Climatic Environment ◽

Wide Range ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Humidity Index

The objectives of this study were to examine heat stress conditions at cow level and to investigate the relationship to the climate conditions at 5 different stationary locations inside a dairy barn. In addition, we compared the climate conditions at cow level between primiparous and multiparous cows for a period of 1 week after regrouping. The temperature-humidity index (THI) differed significantly between all stationary loggers. The lowest THI was measured at the window logger in the experimental stall and the highest THI was measured at the central logger in the experimental stall. The THI at the mobile cow loggers was 2·33 THI points higher than at the stationary loggers. Furthermore, the mean daily THI was higher at the mobile cow loggers than at the stationary loggers on all experimental days. The THI in the experimental pen was 0·44 THI points lower when the experimental cow group was located inside the milking parlour. The THI measured at the mobile cow loggers was 1·63 THI points higher when the experimental cow group was located inside the milking parlour. However, there was no significant difference for all climate variables between primiparous and multiparous cows. These results indicate, there is a wide range of climate conditions inside a dairy barn and especially areas with a great distance to a fresh air supply have an increased risk for the occurrence of heat stress conditions. Furthermore, the heat stress conditions are even higher at cow level and cows not only influence their climatic environment, but also generate microclimates within different locations inside the barn. Therefore climate conditions should be obtained at cow level to evaluate the heat stress conditions that dairy cows are actually exposed to.

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Effect of Temperature-Humidity-Index on Milk Performances of Local Born Holstein Dairy Cows Under Saharan Climate

Archiva Zootechnica ◽

10.2478/azibna-2021-0010 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 24 (2) ◽

pp. 24-36

Author(s):

Lazoumi Ouarfli ◽

Abdelmadjid Chehma

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Environmental Conditions ◽

Arid Regions ◽

Effect Of Temperature ◽

Significant Drop ◽

Temperature Humidity Index ◽

Lactation Length ◽

Humidity Index ◽

Milking Frequency

Abstract The objective is to study the effect of heat stress on milk yield (MY) relative to milking records (n=18178) of native Holsteins (n=187), in the region of Ghardaia, according to periods of HS, using the temperature-humidity index (THI). With THI >72 during 07 months in the study area, which significantly (P<0.001) decrease the MY (-15.5% corresponding to 21.73 kg). Also, calving periods led to a significant drop (P < 0.001) in overall MY (7030.35 kg) of the order of (-14.6%), and over the lactation length (353.43 d), which explains 41% of the variations in MY. In addition, the non-significant effect (P=0.212) of the lactation range on the increase in MY, moreover, the lactation length shows a non-significant (P = 0.108) decrease (-4.68%) during heat stress (HS). Furthermore, the significant effect (P <0.001) of the interaction (Milking frequency × THI) on MY, when THI variates from < 74 to > 84, with regression of (-16.82% and -08.82%) of the MF (2X and 3X), respectively. Again, the NH cow is less sensitive to hyperthermia, so THI explains only 2% of the variation in MY levels. Thus, NH in arid regions have the ability to acclimatize to Saharan environmental conditions.

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What is the best temperature-humidity index equation to indicate heat stress in crossbred dairy calves in a tropical environment?

Ciência Rural ◽

10.1590/0103-8478cr20180132 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 49 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Fernanda Gatti de Oliveira Nascimento ◽

Hellen Cris Pinto Aguiar ◽

Gustavo Moya Rodrigues ◽

Ednaldo Carvalho Guimarães ◽

Mara Regina Bueno de Mattos Nascimento

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Dew Point ◽

Tropical Environment ◽

Dairy Calves ◽

Sensible Heat ◽

Dew Point Temperature ◽

Physiological Variables ◽

Temperature Humidity Index ◽

Humidity Index ◽

The One

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to determine among nine temperature-humidity index (THI) equations, the one that best represents the effects of heat stress on crossbred dairy calves reared in a tropical environment. Twelve male and female calves, aged 20 to 60 days, and raised in a tropical pen were evaluated. Respiratory (RR) and heart rates (HR), rectal (RT), body surface (BST), dry bulb (Tdb) and wet bulb (Tbw) temperatures, partial vapor pressure (Pv), relative humidity (RH) and dew point temperature (Tpo) were quantified in the morning and afternoon. Nine THI equations were calculated. The highest correlation between physiological variables and this was used to select the best THI equation. Averages for nine THI equations, Tdb, Twb, Pv, Tdp, RR, HR, RT, and BST were higher in the afternoon than in the morning, whereas that for RH was the opposite. The highest values for RT occurred at temperatures above 26.4°C and when humidity was below 55.5%. The Tdb and Pv correlations with RR (0.697 and 0.707), RT (0.703 and 0.706) and BST (0.818 and 0.817) were significant and positive, whereas the RH correlations with the same physiological variables were significant and negative (-0.622, -0.590 and -0.638, respectively). The best index was the THI sensible heat-based ( T H I = 3.43 + 1.058 x T d b - 0.293 x R H + 0.0164 x T d b x R H + 35.7), which was significantly correlated with RR (r=0.668 and r²=0.446), HR (r=0.259 and r²=0.067), RT (r=0.693 and r²=0.479) and BST (r=0.807 and r²=0.650). In conclusion, the THI sensible heat-based equation best represents the effects of heat stress on crossbred dairy calves reared in a tropical environment.

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Impact of Fogging System on Thermal Comfort of Lactating Sows

Transactions of the ASABE ◽

10.13031/trans.12814 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 61 (6) ◽

pp. 1933-1938 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dorota Godyn ◽

Piotr Herbut ◽

Sabina Angrecka

Keyword(s):

Respiration Rate ◽

New Technologies ◽

Skin Surface ◽

Future Research ◽

Climate Conditions ◽

Mean Values ◽

Physiological Indicators ◽

Lactating Sows ◽

Humidity Index ◽

The Mean

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a simple fogging system on the microclimate of a farrowing room and the sows’ welfare, which was analyzed through physiological indicators such as respiration rate, and rectal and skin surface temperature. Of 42 lactating sows, 21 were housed in a section (section I) of the farrowing room with a high-pressure fogging system, while the other group (n = 21) were housed without any cooling treatment (section II). Significant differences were found between mean values of microclimatic parameters. The air temperature in section I with active cooling was 2.1°C (p = 0.01) lower than in section II; however, the cooling induced a significant (p = 0.01) increase (18.6%) in air relative humidity. The mean temperature-humidity index (THI) was 0.8 lower (p = 0.05) in the cooled section. The fogging system had a significant impact on the reduction of respiration rate. Rectal and skin surface temperatures were at similar levels in both groups of sows. Based on this study, future research is needed to continue the development of this system as well as new technologies that would be applicable for the climate conditions of central and eastern Europe. Keywords: Animal welfare, Animal housing, Cooling.

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