Response of dairy cattle to thermal stress: Implications for designing animal breeding strategies for sustainable productivity under changing climate

Michael Abera

doi:10.31893/avr.2024011

Keywords:

amelioration

breeding options

changing climate

dairy cattle performance

heat stress

Abstract

The objective of this study was to review the response of dairy cattle to heat stress (HS) and assess breeding options for coping with sustainable productivity under a changing climate. High ambient temperature (AT) in combination with relative humidity affects most critical factors for livestock production, such as water availability, animal production, reproduction, and health. When the THI exceeds 72, cows will likely begin experiencing HS, and their in-calf rates will be affected. Several reports have shown the associations of SNPs in HSP genes with the thermal stress response and tolerance in farm dairy cattle. The association of polymorphisms in Hsp90 AB1 with heat tolerance has been reported in Thai native cattle, Sahiwal cattle, and Friesian cattle. Thus, ameliorating HS via physical modifications of the environment, nutrition management, genetic selection, and breeding is paramount. Compared with that of other livestock species, the effect of HS on dairy cattle is a serious problem. Therefore, intensive research under both controlled and on-farm trials is needed. From this review point of view, future research should focus on conservation strategies for locally adaptable breeds with optimum productivity. Moreover, a breeding strategy that considers disease resistance, environmental stress, and adaptation traits should be considered in the future. Furthermore, the regular prediction of environmental stress resulting from climate change and the design of pertinent response strategies are essential for reducing the adverse impacts of environmental stress to increase the resilience capacity of dairy cattle breeds. To promote the conservation of heat-tolerant native breeds, policies and incentives should be designed to address both environmental and economic challenges while recognizing the unique qualities of these breeds. By combining financial support, research, awareness, and market development, policies and incentives can create an environment where heat-tolerant native breeds thrive, contributing to more resilient agricultural systems in the face of climate change.
References
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31. Santana Jr, M. L., Pereira, R. J., Bignardi, A. B., Vercesi Filho, A. E., Menendez-Buxadera, A., & El Faro, L. (2015). Detrimental effect of selection for milk yield on genetic tolerance to heat stress in purebred Zebu cattle: Genetic parameters and trends. Journal of Dairy Science, 98(12), 9035-9043.
32. Segnalini, M., Bernabucci, U., Vitali, A., Nardone, A., & Lacetera, N. (2013). Temperature humidity index scenarios in the Mediterranean basin. International Journal of Biometeorology, 57, 451-458.
33. Souza, W. D., Barbosa, O. R., Marques, J. D. A., Costa, M. A. T., Gasparino, E., & Limberger, E. (2010). Microclimate in silvipastoral systems with eucalyptus in rank with different heights. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, 39, 685-694.
34. Staples, C. R., & Thatcher, W. W. (2011). Heat stress: Effects on milk production and composition. In J. W. Fuquay, P. F. Fox, & P. L. H. McSweeney (Eds.), Encyclopedia of dairy sciences 4, 561–566. Academic Press.
35. Thom, E. C. (1959). The discomfort index. Weatherwise, 12, 57-61.
36. Thornton, P. K., & Gerber, P. J. (2010). Climate change and the growth of the livestock sector in developing countries. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 15, 169-184.
37. West, J. W. (1999). Nutritional strategies for managing the heat-stressed dairy cow. Journal of Animal Science, 77(suppl_2), 21-35.
38. West, J. W. (2003). Effects of heat-stress on production in dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 86(6), 2131-2144.
39. Yousef, M. K. (1985). Stress physiology in livestock. Volume I. Basic principles. CRC Press.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to cite

Abera, M. (2025). Response of dairy cattle to thermal stress: Implications for designing animal breeding strategies for sustainable productivity under changing climate. Applied Veterinary Research, 3(4), 2024011. https://doi.org/10.31893/avr.2024011

[1] Abera, M., Eshetu, M., Mummed, Y., Pilla, F., & Wondifraw, Z. (2021b). Impact of climatic variability on growth performance of Fogera cattle in Northwestern Ethiopia. Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 9(4), 2137-2137.

[2] Abera, M., Yusuf Mummed, Y., Eshetu, M., Pilla, F., & Wondifraw, Z. (2021a). Physiological, biochemical, and growth parameters of Fogera cattle calves to heat stress during different seasons in sub-humid part of Ethiopia. Animals, 11(4), 1062.

[3] Alemayehu, K., & Getu, A. (2016). Impacts of climate variability on livestock population dynamics and breed distribution patterns in selected districts of Western Amhara, Ethiopia. Animal Genetic Resources, 59, 113-121.

[4] Atrian, P., & Shahryar, H. A. (2012). Heat stress in dairy cows (a review). Research in Zoology, 2(4), 31-37.

[5] Aydinalp, C., & Cresser, M. S. (2008). The effects of global climate change on agriculture. American-Eurasian Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, 3, 672-676.

[6] Baumgard, L. H., & Rhoads Jr, R. P. (2013). Effects of heat stress on postabsorptive metabolism and energetics. Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, 1(1), 311-337.

[7] Baylis, M., & Githeko, A. K. (2006). Infectious diseases: Preparing for the future.

[8] Bernabucci, U., Lacetera, N., Baumgard, L. H., Rhoads, R. P., Ronchi, B., & Nardone, A. (2010). Metabolic and hormonal acclimation to heat stress in domesticated ruminants. Animal, 4(7), 1167-1183.

[9] Broucek, J., Kisac, P., & Uhrincat, M. (2009). Effect of hot temperatures on the hematological parameters, health and performance of calves. International Journal of Biometeorology, 53, 201-208.

[10] BV, S. K., Ajeet, K., & Meena, K. (2011). Effect of heat stress in tropical livestock and different strategies for its amelioration. Journal of Stress Physiology & Biochemistry, 7(1), 45-54.

[11] Carabano, M. J., Ramon, M., Diaz, C., Molina, A., Perez-Guzman, M. D., & Serradilla, J. M. (2017). Breeding and genetics symposium: Breeding for resilience to heat stress effects in dairy ruminants. A comprehensive review. Journal of Animal Science, 95(4), 1813-1826.

[12] Collier, R. J., Collier, J. L., Rhoads, R. P., & Baumgard, L. H. (2008). Invited review: Genes involved in the bovine heat stress response. Journal of Dairy Science, 91(2), 445-454.

[13] De Avila, A. S., Jacome, I. M. T. D., Faccenda, A., Panazzolo, D. M., & Muller, E. R. (2013). Avaliação e correlação de parâmetros fisiológicos e índices bioclimáticos de vacas holandesas em diferentes estações. Revista Eletrônica em Gestão, Educação e Tecnologia Ambiental, 2878-2884.

[14] Dikmen, S., & Hansen, P. (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.

[15] FAO. (2009). Preparation of national strategies and action plans for animal genetic resources. Animal Production and Health Guidelines, No. 2. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy.

[16] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2012). The state of food insecurity in the world: Economic growth is necessary but not sufficient to accelerate the reduction of hunger and malnutrition. FAO Rome.

[17] Gebresenbet, G., & Kaumbutho, P. G. (1997). Comparative analysis of the field performances of a reversible animal-drawn prototype and conventional mouldboard plows pulled by a single donkey. Soil and Tillage Research, 40, 169-183.

[18] Ghosh, S., Azhahianambi, P., & de la Fuente, J. (2006). Control of ticks of ruminants, with special emphasis on livestock farming systems in India: Present and future possibilities for integrated control—A review. Experimental & Applied Acarology, 40, 49-66.

[19] Grandin, T. (2016). Evaluation of the welfare of cattle housed in outdoor feedlot pens. Veterinary and Animal Science, 1, 23-28.

[20] Hoffman, T., & Vogel, C. (2008). Climate change impacts on African rangelands. Rangelands, 30, 12-17.

[21] IMF, O., & UNCTAD, W. (2011). Price volatility in food and agricultural markets: Policy responses. FAO: Roma, Italy.

[22] IPCC. (2013). Climate change 2013: The physical science basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

[23] Kadzere, C. T., Murphy, M. R., Silanikove, N., & Maltz, E. (2002). Heat stress in lactating dairy cows: A review. Livestock Production Science, 77(1), 59-91.

[24] Mader, T. L., Davis, M. S., & Brown-Brandl, T. (2006). Environmental factors influencing heat stress in feedlot cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 84, 712-719.

[25] Maggiolino, A., Dahl, G. E., Bartolomeo, N., Bernabucci, U., Vitali, A., Serio, G., Cassandro, M., Centoducati, G., Santus, E., & De Palo, P. (2020). Estimation of maximum thermo-hygrometric index thresholds affecting milk production in Italian Brown Swiss cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 103(9), 8541-8553.

[26] Marai, I. F. M., El-Darawany, A. A., Fadiel, A., & Abdel-Hafez, M. A. M. (2007). Physiological traits as affected by heat stress in sheep—A review. Small Ruminant Research, 71(1-3), 1-12.

[27] Mariasegaram, M., Chase Jr, C. C., Chaparro, J. X., Olson, T. A., Brenneman, R. A., & Niedz, R. P. (2007). The slick hair coat locus maps to chromosome 20 in Senepol-derived cattle. Animal Genetics, 38(1), 54-59.

[28] Mottet, A., & Tempio, G. (2017). Global poultry production: Current state and future outlook and challenges. World's Poultry Science Journal, 73, 245-256.

[29] Polsky, L., & von Keyserlingk, M. A. G. (2017). Invited review: Effects of heat stress on dairy cattle welfare. Journal of Dairy Science, 100, 8645-8657.

[30] 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(3), 267-276.

[31] Santana Jr, M. L., Pereira, R. J., Bignardi, A. B., Vercesi Filho, A. E., Menendez-Buxadera, A., & El Faro, L. (2015). Detrimental effect of selection for milk yield on genetic tolerance to heat stress in purebred Zebu cattle: Genetic parameters and trends. Journal of Dairy Science, 98(12), 9035-9043.

[32] Segnalini, M., Bernabucci, U., Vitali, A., Nardone, A., & Lacetera, N. (2013). Temperature humidity index scenarios in the Mediterranean basin. International Journal of Biometeorology, 57, 451-458.

[33] Souza, W. D., Barbosa, O. R., Marques, J. D. A., Costa, M. A. T., Gasparino, E., & Limberger, E. (2010). Microclimate in silvipastoral systems with eucalyptus in rank with different heights. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, 39, 685-694.

[34] Staples, C. R., & Thatcher, W. W. (2011). Heat stress: Effects on milk production and composition. In J. W. Fuquay, P. F. Fox, & P. L. H. McSweeney (Eds.), Encyclopedia of dairy sciences 4, 561–566. Academic Press.

[35] Thom, E. C. (1959). The discomfort index. Weatherwise, 12, 57-61.

[36] Thornton, P. K., & Gerber, P. J. (2010). Climate change and the growth of the livestock sector in developing countries. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 15, 169-184.

[37] West, J. W. (1999). Nutritional strategies for managing the heat-stressed dairy cow. Journal of Animal Science, 77(suppl_2), 21-35.

[38] West, J. W. (2003). Effects of heat-stress on production in dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 86(6), 2131-2144.

[39] Yousef, M. K. (1985). Stress physiology in livestock. Volume I. Basic principles. CRC Press.

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