Abstract
This study approached the relationships between heat stress and metabolic and milk parameters in a commercial herd of Holstein cows located in southern Brazil. A total of 50 multiparous cows at different lactations and lactation stages were selected in order to obtain 450 samples during two consecutive years (2011 and 2012). The animals were fed a partial mixed ration along with ryegrass pasture in a semi-confinement system. Blood, milk, and urine samples were taken during the summer and winter for a total of eight samples. Three intervals of temperature-humidity index (THI) were established during the summer months (January and February) as follows: low group (LOW), THI between 75 and 81 (N = 100); moderate group (MOD), THI between 81 and 82 (N = 150); and severe group (SEV), THI between 83 and 90 (N = 150). The group of cows sampled during winter (July) constituted the control group (CON; THI = 59, N = 50). Increased total protein, albumin, glucose, and cholesterol occurred in heat-stressed cows. Increased AST activity was also observed in heat-stressed cows, but triglycerides and beta-OH-butyrate did not show any difference among groups. Lower lactate and higher pO2 were seen in cows with heat stress than CON. Cows in SEV had a 21 % milk yield decrease, while lactose and protein decreased with fat not being affected. Heat stress had strong effects on metabolic, clinical, and performance parameters in Holstein cows.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Abeni, F., Calamari, L., Stefanini, L., 2007. Metabolic condition of lactating Friesian cows during the hot season in the Po Valley. 1. Blood indicators of heat stress. International Journal of Biometeorology. 52, 87–96.
Armstrong, D.V., 1994. Heat stress interaction with shade and cooling. Journal of Dairy Science. 77, 2044–2050.
Bertoni, G., 1998. Effects of heat stress on endocrine-metabolic and reproductive status of the dairy cows. Zootecnica e Nutrizione Animale. 24, 273–282.
Deshpande, G.G., Heideman, S.M., Sarnaik, A.P., 2000. Heat stress is associated with decreased lactic acidemia in rat sepsis. Critical Care. 4, 45–49.
Dikmen, S., Hansen, P.J., 2009. Is the temperature-humidity index the best indicator of heat stress in lactating dairy cows in a subtropical environment? Journal of Dairy Science. 92, 109–116.
Ferguson, J.D., Galligan, D.T., Thomsen, N., 1994. Principal description of body condition score in Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science. 77, 695–2703.
Ferreira, F., Campos, W.E., Carvalho, A.U., Pires, M.F.A., Martinez, M.L., Silva, M.V., Verneque, R.S., Silva, P.F., 2009. Parâmetros clínicos, hematológicos, bioquímicos e hormonais de bovinos submetidos ao estresse calórico. Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia. 61, 769–776.
Honig, H., Miron, J., Lehrer, H., Jackoby, S., Zachut, M., Zinou, A., Portnick, Y., Moallem, U., 2012. Performance and welfare of high-yielding dairy cows subjected to 5 or 8 cooling sessions daily under hot and humid climate. Journal of Dairy Science. 95, 3736–3742.
Kadzere, C.T., Murphy, M.R., Silanikove, N., Maltz, E., 2002. Heat stress in lactating dairy cows: a review. Livestock Production Science. 77, 59–91.
McDowell, D., Hooven, N., Cameron, K., 1979. Effects of climate on performance of Holsteins in first lactation. Journal of Dairy Science. 68, 2418–2435.
National Research Council (NRC), 2001. Nutrient requirements of dairy cattle. (Washington, D.C.)
Rhoads, M.L., Rhoads, R.P., Van Baale, M.J., Collier, R.J., Sanders, S.R., Weber, W.J., Crooker, B.A., Baumgard, L.H., 2009. Effects of heat stress and plane of nutrition on lactating Holstein cows: 1. Production, metabolism, and aspects of circulating somatotropin. Journal of Dairy Science. 92, 1986–1997.
Rhoads, R.P., Baumgard, L.H, Suagee, J.K., Sanders, S.R., 2013. Nutritional interventions to alleviate the negative consequences of heat stress. Advances in Nutrition. 4, 267–276.
Ronchi, B., Bernabucci, U., Lacetera, N., Verini Supplizi, A., Nardone, A., 1999. Distinct and common effects of heat stress and restricted feeding on metabolic status of Holstein heifers. Zootecnica e Nutrizione Animale. 25, 11–20.
Samal, L., 2013. Heat Stress in Dairy Cows: Reproductive Problems and Control Measures. International Journal of Livestock Research. 3, 14–23.
Smith, D.L., Smith, T., Rude, B.J., Ward, S.H., 2013. Comparison of the effects of heat stress on milk and component yields and somatic cell score in Holstein and Jersey cows. Journal of Dairy Science. 96, 3028–3033.
West, J.W., 2003. Effects of heat stress on production in dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science. 86, 2131–2144.
Wise, M.E., Armstrong, D.V., Huber, J.T., Hunter, R., Wiersma, F., 1988. Hormonal alterations in the lactating dairy cow in response to thermal stress. Journal of Dairy Science. 71, 2480–2485.
Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to the Brazilian Research Council (CNPq) for the grants conceded to F. Gonzalez and A. Barrera.
Statement of animal rights
All experimental procedures were conducted according to protocols approved by the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul Animal Care and Use Committee.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest, and this document is their original research work.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Garcia, A.B., Angeli, N., Machado, L. et al. Relationships between heat stress and metabolic and milk parameters in dairy cows in southern Brazil. Trop Anim Health Prod 47, 889–894 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-015-0804-9
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-015-0804-9