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de Lima Guimarães Yamada K, Dos Santos GT, Damasceno JC, de Almeida KV, Osorio JAC, Lourenço JCS, Gurgel ALC, Dias-Silva TP, de Araújo MJ, Ítavo LCV, Benchaar C. Effects of heat-stress-reducing systems on blood constituents, milk production and milk quality of Holstein and Jersey cows and heifers on pasture. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:386. [PMID: 37907781 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03808-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different heat-stress-reducing systems, i.e., sprinkler + artificial shade, shower + artificial shade, and artificial shade, on serum mineral, hormonal, hematological, and metabolite profiles, on milk production, and milk composition in lactating cows and pubertal heifers of Holstein and Jersey breeds. For this purpose, 12 animals were used: 3 Holstein cows with an average (mean ± SD) body weight of 600 ± 30 kg, 53 ± 11 months of age, and milk yield of 27 ± 3.5 kg/day; 3 Jersey cows with an average body weight of 370 ± 11 kg, 40 ± 6 months of age, and milk production of 11 ± 1.5 kg/day; 3 Holstein heifers (325 ± 25 kg and 16 ± 0.6 months of age); and 3 Jersey heifers (250 ± 25 kg and 13 ± 0.6 months of age). Animals were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments that included three treatments (sprinkler + artificial shade, shower + artificial shade, and artificial shade), two breeds (Holstein, Jersey), and two physiological stages (lactating cows, heifers). The experimental treatments influenced (P < 0.05) the concentrations of triiodothyronine, with the shower and shade systems showing greater and similar concentrations (99.5 and 96.3 µg/dL, respectively) when compared with sprinkler treatment (89.2 µg/dL). There was an effect (P < 0.05) of breed on the concentrations of Na + , K + , hemoglobin, hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume levels with the Holsteins having lower levels of Na + , K + , hemoglobin, hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume (101.1, 4.0 ng/mL, 11.2 g/dL, 24.7%, and 42.3 μm3, respectively) than the Jerseys (106.5 and 4.3 ng/mL, 12.4 g/dL, 27.7%, and 46.3 μm3, respectively. Total cholesterol and high-density lipoproteins were influenced by physiological stage (P < 0.05). Concentrations of cholesterol and high-density lipoproteins were higher for cows (94.1, and 56.9 mg/dL, respectively) than for heifers (56.9 and 42,9 mf/dL, respectively). Milk production and fat content were affected (P < 0.05) by breed (P < 0.05), with Holstein cows producing more milk (23.9 kg/day) than Jersey cows (12.0 kg/day), but Jersey cows had higher fat concentration (4.6%) than Holstein cows (3.0%). Therefore, the three different thermal-stress-reducing-systems tested were able to maintain the serum biomarkers within normal physiological ranges. However, the most appropriate thermal-stress-reducing-systems would be a sprinkler systema because it uses less water compared with the shower system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Júlio César Damasceno
- Department of Animal Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, 87020900, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marcos Jácome de Araújo
- Campus Professora Cinobelina Elvas, Federal University of Piauí, Bom Jesus, Piauí, 64900-000, Brazil
| | - Luís Carlos Vinhas Ítavo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso Do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso Do Sul, 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Chaouki Benchaar
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC, J1M 1Z3, Canada
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2
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Jaakkola K. Are Dolphins Kept in Impoverished Environments? Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2707. [PMID: 37684971 PMCID: PMC10486360 DOI: 10.3390/ani13172707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated the negative effects of impoverished environments versus the positive effects of enriched environments on animals' cognitive and neural functioning. Recently, a hypothesis was raised suggesting that conditions for dolphins in zoological facilities may be inherently impoverished, and thus lead to neural and cognitive deficits. This review directly examines that hypothesis in light of the existing scientific literature relevant to dolphin welfare in zoological facilities. Specifically, it examines how dolphins are housed in modern zoological facilities, where the characteristics of such housing fall on the continuum of impoverished-to-enriched environments, and the extent to which dolphins show behavioral evidence characteristic of living in impoverished environments. The results of this analysis show that contrary to the original hypothesis, modern zoological facilities do not inherently, or even typically, house dolphins in impoverished conditions. However, it also notes that there is variation in animal welfare across different zoological facilities, and that "not impoverished" would be a particularly low bar to set as an animal welfare standard. To optimize cognitive well-being, strategies for providing additional cognitive challenges for dolphins in zoological facilities are suggested.
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Wilson AM, Wright TC, Cant JP, Osborne VR. Behavioral and physiological responses to an inspired-air supplemental cooling system for dairy cows in free-stall housing. Animal 2023; 17:100887. [PMID: 37453184 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
During heat stress, dairy cows spend less time lying down to dissipate heat. Heat stress abatement strategies generally target cows outside of their resting areas. However, cooling cows while in their stalls could help alleviate heat stress without compromising lying behavior. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an inspired-air supplemental cooling system (SCS) on respiration rate, rectal temperatures, lying behavior, rumination time, and milk production (energy-corrected milk, ECM) of lactating dairy cows. A free-stall pen was retrofitted with custom stall partitions to deliver cooled air and mist. The pen, including the stall platform, was divided into two separate sides. Twenty-eight lactating Holstein cows were randomly sorted into two groups, each housed on one side of the experimental pen. Cows experienced four treatments (control, CTRL; cooled air, AIR; mist, MIST; cooled air and mist, AIR + MIST) in a four-treatment, four-period, two-sequence crossover design, with each period lasting seven days. Cooled air was provided continuously, and mist was cycled 3 min on, 12 min off from 0900 to 2100 h. Respiration rates were observed hourly between 0900 and 1500 h, and only measurements recorded while cows were lying down were used in the analysis. Rectal temperatures of 16 focal cows were recorded at 1545 h once per day. Lying behavior and rumination were recorded continuously, and milk yields recorded twice daily were used to calculate ECM. Throughout the experimental period, the average temperature-humidity index was 66.4 ± 6.07. During the MIST treatment, the respiration rate was lower than the CTRL (45.7 vs 49.0 ± 1.92 breaths/min) and AIR (45.7 vs 48.7 ± 1.92 breaths/min). CTRL and AIR did not differ (48.7 vs 49.0 ± 1.92 breaths/min), and MIST and AIR + MIST (45.7 vs 47.1 ± 1.92 breaths/min) did not differ. All other variables were not significantly different between treatments. In conclusion, the SCS appeared to be tolerated by cows and shows the potential to assist in alleviating heat stress. The cooling capacity needs to be evaluated under more extreme environmental conditions causing heat stress than those experienced during this study. Further testing is required to determine the cooled air temperature specifications and mist delivery frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Wilson
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1 Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - T C Wright
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, 1 Stone Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - J P Cant
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1 Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - V R Osborne
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1 Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
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4
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Bezdíček J, Nesvadbová A, Stádník L, Louda F. Influence of Heat Stress on Milk Production in Fraternal Twins. ACTA UNIVERSITATIS AGRICULTURAE ET SILVICULTURAE MENDELIANAE BRUNENSIS 2023. [DOI: 10.11118/actaun.2022.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Grinter L, Mazon G, Costa J. Voluntary heat stress abatement system for dairy cows: Does it mitigate the effects of heat stress on physiology and behavior? J Dairy Sci 2022; 106:519-533. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-21802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Guimarães-Yamada KL, dos Santos GT, Osório JAC, Sippert MR, Figueiredo-Paludo M, da Silva BGL, Damasceno JC, Benchaar C. Influence of Different Heat-Stress-Reducing Systems on Physiological and Behavioral Responses and Social Dominance of Holstein and Jersey Cows and Heifers on Pasture. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182318. [PMID: 36139178 PMCID: PMC9495097 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
High ambient temperatures and relative humidity affect the behavior and physiology of the animal. This study investigated the influence of different heat-stress-reducing systems on the physiological, behavioral, and preferential responses of Holstein and Jersey cows and heifers on pasture. Experimental treatments were: (1) three heat-stress-reducing systems (sprinklers + artificial shade; showers + artificial shade; and artificial shade); (2) two breeds (Holstein and Jersey); and (3) two physiological stages (lactating cows and pubertal heifers). Physiological and behavioral responses to treatments were measured every 30 min on collection days. The frequency and duration of the use of the systems were recorded continuously 24 h/day for 3 days in each period. The air temperature and the relative humidity were 26 ± 4.1 °C and 74 ± 11.3%, respectively. The experimental treatments affected (p = 0.0354) standing idle, grazing behavior (p = 0.0435), and the frequency and duration of use of the systems by the animals (p < 0.0001). For all treatments, the respiratory rate and the coat surface temperature were highly and significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with the temperature and humidity index. In conclusion, under ambient conditions, dairy cows preferred using sprinklers or showers over artificial shade. These systems were more efficient at reducing the heat load and led to better behavioral and physiological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Geraldo T. dos Santos
- Department of Animal Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020900, Brazil
- INCT-LEITE/CNPq—Araucária Foundation, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020900, Brazil
| | - Jesus A. C. Osório
- Department of Animal Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020900, Brazil
| | - Micheli R. Sippert
- Department of Animal Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020900, Brazil
| | | | - Bianca G. L. da Silva
- Department of Animal Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020900, Brazil
| | - Júlio C. Damasceno
- Department of Animal Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020900, Brazil
| | - Chaouki Benchaar
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Islam MA, Lomax S, Doughty A, Islam MR, Jay O, Thomson P, Clark C. Automated Monitoring of Cattle Heat Stress and Its Mitigation. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2021.737213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change related global warming is likely to continue, despite all mitigation measures taken by humans, due to the lag effect of long-term anthropogenic activities. Warming of the atmosphere can impact worldwide cattle production directly by compromising health, welfare and productivity, and indirectly by reducing the quality and quantity of animal feed. Under warm thermal conditions, cattle adjust their physiological and behavioural responses as an integral part of thermoregulation to maintain internal body temperature within a safe range. However, a greater intensity and duration of heat exposure can exceed thermoregulatory capacity leading to an increase in internal body temperature beyond the normal limit that ultimately evokes different animal responses to heat. In cattle, response to heat stress can be visually observed as elevated respiration rate or panting, but continuous visual monitoring is labour intensive, time consuming and subjective. Therefore, different weather-based indices have been developed such as the temperature humidity index (THI) and heat load index (HLI) which are commonly used weather-based indices for monitoring cattle heat stress at commercial level. However, the thermal comfort level of cattle based on weather-based indices has limited use at a microclimatic and individual animal level. Varying sensor-based approaches have shown promise to shift the focus of heat stress management to the individual level. Monitoring individual animal response and mitigation strategies for isolated heat-susceptible cattle could save on heat management costs whilst improving animal welfare and productivity. Here we review the technologies that enable automatic, continuous, and real-time cattle heat stress monitoring and mitigation under commercial conditions. Future platforms for autonomous monitoring and mitigation of heat stress in cattle are likely to be based on minimally-invasive smart technologies either singly, or in an integrated system, enabling real-time solutions to animal responses under various production systems and environmental conditions.
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8
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Almuhanna EA, Gamea GR, Osman OE, Almahdi FM. Performance of roof-mounted misting fans to regulate heat stress in dairy cows. J Therm Biol 2021; 99:102984. [PMID: 34420627 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Heat stress can negatively affect cow's physiology, behavior, and milk production. This study evaluates the effectiveness of roof mounting misting fans to improve heat and humidity index which reduces heat stress in a cowshed. Local climatic conditions were monitored and cooling system ability to control heat stress were assessed. Measurements were conducted at different cooling zones and levels comparing with shaded and open zones. The temperature and humidity index measurements outside the cowshed THIout showed that animals exposed to high degrees of heat stress during most of the day. The average value of THIout was 87.49, whereas the average value of adjusted outside temperature and humidity index THIadj was greater than THIout by 10% when solar radiation was considered. The maximum difference of hourly averages for temperature and humidity indices THIadj and THI occurred at noon when the intensity of solar radiation was highest. The average value for temperature and humidity index under misting fans THIfan was 82.27 whereas inside the cowshed under shade THIshade was 85.20. This conclude that the misting fans was able to reduce heat stress in a limited degree. Further improvement in terms of the cowshed design aspects and an increase of cooling efficiency is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad A Almuhanna
- Department of Agricultural Systems Engineering, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Gamal R Gamea
- Department of Agricultural Systems Engineering, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omer E Osman
- Department of Agricultural Systems Engineering, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal M Almahdi
- Department of Agricultural Systems Engineering, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
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9
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Artificial shade effects on behavior and body weight of pregnant grazing red deer (Cervus elaphus). J Vet Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Shu H, Wang W, Guo L, Bindelle J. Recent Advances on Early Detection of Heat Strain in Dairy Cows Using Animal-Based Indicators: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:980. [PMID: 33915761 PMCID: PMC8066310 DOI: 10.3390/ani11040980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In pursuit of precision livestock farming, the real-time measurement for heat strain-related data has been more and more valued. Efforts have been made recently to use more sensitive physiological indicators with the hope to better inform decision-making in heat abatement in dairy farms. To get an insight into the early detection of heat strain in dairy cows, the present review focuses on the recent efforts developing early detection methods of heat strain in dairy cows based on body temperatures and respiratory dynamics. For every candidate animal-based indicator, state-of-the-art measurement methods and existing thresholds were summarized. Body surface temperature and respiration rate were concluded to be the best early indicators of heat strain due to their high feasibility of measurement and sensitivity to heat stress. Future studies should customize heat strain thresholds according to different internal and external factors that have an impact on the sensitivity to heat stress. Wearable devices are most promising to achieve real-time measurement in practical dairy farms. Combined with internet of things technologies, a comprehensive strategy based on both animal- and environment-based indicators is expected to increase the precision of early detection of heat strain in dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Shu
- Agricultural Information Institute, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing 100086, China;
- AgroBioChem/TERRA, Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium;
| | - Wensheng Wang
- Agricultural Information Institute, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing 100086, China;
| | - Leifeng Guo
- Agricultural Information Institute, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing 100086, China;
| | - Jérôme Bindelle
- AgroBioChem/TERRA, Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium;
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Effects of Sprinkler Flow Rate on Physiological, Behavioral and Production Responses of Nili Ravi Buffaloes during Subtropical Summer. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020339. [PMID: 33572737 PMCID: PMC7912036 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Water buffaloes wallow in water to combat heat stress during summer. With the decreasing reservoirs for wallowing, the farmers use hosepipes and sprinklers to cool the buffaloes in Pakistan. The sprinklers use a large quantity of groundwater, which is becoming scarce. In the current study, different flow rates in sprinklers were evaluated as a strategy to optimally use groundwater to cool water buffaloes. The sprinkler flow rates 1.25 and 2.0 L/min both had better physiological response, more feed intake, and higher milk yield compared to the 0.8 L/min. However, the flow rate 1.25 L/min was more efficient in cooling the buffaloes because it yielded similar physiological, production, and the behavioral responses despite using 37.5% less groundwater compared to 2.0 L/min. The current findings will help farmers to reduce the amount of groundwater used in cooling dairy buffaloes. Abstract Water buffaloes wallow in water to combat heat stress during summer. With the decreasing reservoirs for wallowing, the farmers use sprinklers to cool the buffaloes in Pakistan. These sprinklers use a large quantity of groundwater, which is becoming scarce. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of different sprinkler flow rates on the physiological, behavioral, and production responses of Nili Ravi buffaloes during summer. Eighteen buffaloes were randomly subjected to three sprinkler flow rate treatments in a double replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. The flow rates were 0.8, 1.25, and 2.0 L/min. During the study, the average afternoon temperature humidity index was 84.6. The 1.25 and 2.0 L/min groups had significantly lower rectal temperature and respiratory rates than the 0.8 L/min group. Water intake was significantly higher in the 0.8 L/min group. Daily milk yield was higher in the 1.25 and 2.0 L/min groups than in the 0.8 L/min group. These results suggested that the sprinkler flow rates > 0.8 L/min effectively cooled the buffaloes. The sprinkler flow rate of 1.25 L/min appeared to be more efficient, as it used 37.5% less water compared to the 2.0 L/min.
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12
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Tian H, Liu J, Chen X, Li S, Li X, Mengal K, Lu Y, Wang D. Effects of ambient temperature and humidity on body temperature and activity of heifers, and a novel idea of heat stress monitoring. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an20156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Heat stress has led to a serious reduction in dairy cows production performance, thus increasing the stress of feeding and reproduction management.
Aims
Heat stress arises when cows are unable to dissipate excess body heat, we aimed to investigate the effects of ambient temperature (AT) and humidity on diurnal body temperature and activity.
Methods
For improving the technology for rearing dairy cows, the vaginal temperature (VT) and activity of 60 Holstein heifers in summer (n = 20), autumn (n = 20), and winter (n = 20) were measured using the oestrus monitoring system.
Key results
We found that VT fluctuated slightly (~38.22–38.32°C) when AT and temperature-humidity index (THI) were lower than 20°C and 68, respectively. However, when this threshold is reached, VT increased significantly with increasing AT and THI, whereas activity decreased significantly.
Conclusions
Heat stress may be caused when THI is above 68 and cow’s VT reaches 38.32°C. Evidently, when the THI exceeds 68 and VT is more than 38.32°C, suitable measures for reducing the effect of heat stress on the productivity of dairy cows should be taken.
Implications
The combined monitoring of VT and THI might provide accurate guidance for preventing and controlling heat stress.
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Tucker CB, Jensen MB, de Passillé AM, Hänninen L, Rushen J. Invited review: Lying time and the welfare of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2020; 104:20-46. [PMID: 33162094 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-18074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Adequate time lying down is often considered an important aspect of dairy cow welfare. We examine what is known about cows' motivation to lie down and the consequences for health and other indicators of biological function when this behavior is thwarted. We review the environmental and animal-based factors that affect lying time in the context of animal welfare. Our objective is to review the research into the time that dairy cows spend lying down and to critically examine the evidence for the link with animal welfare. Cows can be highly motivated to lie down. They show rebound lying behavior after periods of forced standing and will sacrifice other activities, such as feeding, to lie down for an adequate amount of time. They will work, by pushing levers or weighted gates, to lie down and show possible indicators of frustration when lying behavior is thwarted. Some evidence suggests that risk of lameness is increased in environments that provide unfavorable conditions for cows to lie down and where cows are forced to stand. Lameness itself can result in longer lying times, whereas mastitis reduces it. Cow-based factors such as reproductive status, age, and milk production influence lying time, but the welfare implications of these differences are unknown. Lower lying times are reported in pasture-based systems, dry lots, and bedded packs (9 h/d) compared with tiestalls and freestalls (10 to 12 h/d) in cross-farm research. Unfavorable conditions, including too few lying stalls for the number of cows, hard or wet lying surfaces, inadequate bedding, stalls that are too small or poorly designed, heat, and rain all reduce lying time. Time constraints, such as feeding or milking, can influence lying time. However, more information is needed about the implications of mediating factors such as the effect of the standing surface (concrete, pasture, or other surfaces) and cow behavior while standing (e.g., being restrained, walking, grazing) to understand the effect of low lying times on animal welfare. Many factors contribute to the difficulty of finding a valid threshold for daily lying time to use in the assessment of animal welfare. Although higher lying times often correspond with cow comfort, and lower lying times are seen in unfavorable conditions, exceptions occur, namely when cows lie down for longer because of disease or when they spend more time standing because of estrus or parturition, or to engage in other behaviors. In conclusion, lying behavior is important to dairy cattle, but caution and a full understanding of the context and the character of the animals in question is needed before drawing firm conclusions about animal welfare from measures of lying time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra B Tucker
- Center for Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616.
| | - Margit Bak Jensen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Foulum, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Anne Marie de Passillé
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - Laura Hänninen
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare and Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Finland
| | - Jeffrey Rushen
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
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Becker CA, Stone AE. Graduate Student Literature Review: Heat abatement strategies used to reduce negative effects of heat stress in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:9667-9675. [PMID: 32713700 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The southeastern United States experiences an extended hot season with a high environmental temperature and relative humidity. With increasing global temperatures, managing dairy cattle in regions with tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean climates is becoming an increasing challenge. Heat-stressed cows will decrease feed intake, decrease productivity, and increase respiration rate in an attempt to maintain internal body temperature. Temperature-humidity index (THI) is a unitless value that has been used to measure the magnitude of heat stress on dairy cows. Many researchers have studied the THI threshold at which dairy cattle begin to experience heat stress. When housing cows in a confinement setting, a pasture-based setting, or a combination of the two, the appropriate heat abatement should be implemented to allow cows to perform to their potential and to improve overall animal welfare. This review summarizes heat abatement strategies that have been studied to reduce the negative effects of heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Becker
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, Mississippi State University, Starkville 39762.
| | - A E Stone
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, Mississippi State University, Starkville 39762
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Sammad A, Wang YJ, Umer S, Lirong H, Khan I, Khan A, Ahmad B, Wang Y. Nutritional Physiology and Biochemistry of Dairy Cattle under the Influence of Heat Stress: Consequences and Opportunities. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10050793. [PMID: 32375261 PMCID: PMC7278580 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Modern dairy cows have elevated internal heat loads caused by high milk production, and the effects of accumulating incremental heat are exacerbated when temperature and humidity increases in the surroundings. To shed this additional heat, cows initiate a variety of adaptive mechanisms including increased respiration rate, panting, sweating, reduced milk yield, vasodilatation, and decreased reproductive performance. Hormonal changes based on reciprocal alterations to the energetic metabolism are particularly accountable for reduced efficiency of the dairy production under the heat stress. As animals experience negative energy balance; glucose, which is also a precursor of milk lactose, becomes the preferential energy fuel. In the absence of proper mitigations, heat stress possesses potential risk of economic losses to dairy sector. Besides physical measures for the timely prediction of the actual heat stress coupled with its proper amelioration, nutritional mitigation strategies should target modulating energetic metabolism and rumen environment. Abstract Higher milk yield and prolificacy of the modern dairy cattle requires high metabolism activities to support them. It causes high heat production by the body, which coupled with increasing environmental temperatures results in heat stress (HS). Production, health, and welfare of modern cattle are severely jeopardized due to their low adaptability to hot conditions. Animal activates a variety of physiological, endocrine, and behavioral mechanisms to cope with HS. Traditionally, decreased feed intake is considered as the major factor towards negative energy balance (NEBAL) leading to a decline in milk production. However, reciprocal changes related to insulin; glucose metabolism; failure of adipose mobilization; and skeletal muscle metabolism have appeared to be the major culprits behind HS specific NEBAL. There exists high insulin activity and glucose become preferential energy fuel. Physiological biochemistry of the heat stressed cows is characterized by low-fat reserves derived NEFA (non-esterified fatty acids) response, despite high energy demands. Besides these, physiological and gut-associated changes and poor feeding practices can further compromise the welfare and production of the heat-stressed cows. Better understanding of HS specific nutritional physiology and metabolic biochemistry of the dairy cattle will primarily help to devise practical interventions in this context. Proper assessment of the HS in cattle and thereby applying relevant cooling measures at dairy seems to be the basic mitigation approach. Score of the nutritional strategies be applied in the eve of HS should target supporting physiological responses of abatement and fulfilling the deficiencies possessed, such as water and minerals. Second line of abatement constitutes proper feeding, which could augment metabolic activities and synergizes energy support. The third line of supplemental supports should be directed towards modulating the metabolic (propionates, thiazolidinediones, dietary buffers, probiotics, and fermentates) and antioxidant responses (vitamins). Comprehensive understanding of the energetic metabolism dynamics under the impact of incremental heat load and complete outlook of pros and cons of the dietary ameliorating substances together with the discovery of the newer relevant supplementations constitutes the future avenues in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Sammad
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (A.S.); (Y.J.W.); (H.L.); (A.K.); (B.A.)
| | - Ya Jing Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (A.S.); (Y.J.W.); (H.L.); (A.K.); (B.A.)
| | - Saqib Umer
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (S.U.); (I.K.)
| | - Hu Lirong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (A.S.); (Y.J.W.); (H.L.); (A.K.); (B.A.)
| | - Imran Khan
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (S.U.); (I.K.)
| | - Adnan Khan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (A.S.); (Y.J.W.); (H.L.); (A.K.); (B.A.)
| | - Baseer Ahmad
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (A.S.); (Y.J.W.); (H.L.); (A.K.); (B.A.)
| | - Yachun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (A.S.); (Y.J.W.); (H.L.); (A.K.); (B.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Sustainable water management is one of the biggest challenges in the 21st century as availability of fresh water resources is under depletion. Growing population, extreme weather conditions (drought, fire, flood), and increasing global food demand all result in higher water consumption by humans. Assessing qualitative and quantitative deterioration of fresh water supplies is crucial in water scarcity areas. By identifying blue, green and grey water components, water use can be assessed in a more comprehensive way. Water use assessment on a dairy farm is influenced by several factors such as chosen breed, herd size, keeping, feeding and milking technology. Productivity level of milking cows, amount of daily milking and type of litter (straw or liquid manure) have impact on water use by technology and cattle. If these factors are assessed and their proportion within the total water use is identified or calculated, dairy farmers are able to analyze water management precisely and shift to more sustainable solutions. The aim of this research is to analyze and to compare the impact of different keeping systems, i.e., traditional and modern, and milking technologies, i.e., robotic milking system, parallel and polygon parlors, on the water use of dairy farms to give a guide to dairy experts and to find opportunities where water recycling/reuse might be applicable.
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Tresoldi G, Schütz KE, Tucker CB. Sampling strategy and measurement device affect vaginal temperature outcomes in lactating dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:5414-5421. [PMID: 32278552 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Body temperature (BT) is widely used to evaluate health and heat load status in cattle. Despite its importance, studies vary in how BT is measured and in the biological interpretation of the results. Costs, practicality, labor, and welfare concerns can affect how BT is measured, including frequency of measurement and the type of device used. Inaccurate BT outcomes may have implications for cattle welfare; for example, animals may only receive treatment when fever is identified. Our objectives were (1) to compare measurement of vaginal temperature (VT) using relatively small, inexpensive, and low-accuracy loggers (±0.5 to ±1°C, iButton range; Embedded Data Systems, Lawrenceburg, KY) to a high-accuracy logger (±0.1°C; StarOddi, Gardabaer, Iceland), and (2) to evaluate how different BT sampling strategies correspond to 24-h VT in lactating dairy cows. To address the first objective, VT data from 54 cows were recorded every 45 min for 12 d/cow, on average, using 2 different types of temperature loggers (StarOddi DST centi-T and iButton DS1921H or DS1922L) attached to a shortened, hormone-free controlled internal drug release insert. Average VT obtained from both loggers were compared using mixed models and regression analyses. In addition, we tested the consistency of the low-accuracy loggers in detecting cows with elevated BT using the kappa coefficient of concordance. To address the second objective, VT data from 20 cows were recorded every min for 9 to 11 d/cow using StarOddi loggers. Using these data, we estimated average VT using 11 sampling strategies (every 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 120 min, 1×/d recorded in the morning or afternoon, 2×/d, or 3×/d). Estimates and observed means were compared using linear regression. Compared with StarOddi loggers, the iButtons either underestimated (H model: 38.7 vs. 38.0 ± 0.06°C) or overestimated VT (L model: 38.7 vs. 39.2 ± 0.04°C). When considering elevated or fever VT thresholds, iButtons did not correctly classify animals; kappa coefficients of concordance were ≤0.35. Measuring VT as often as every 120 min resulted in more accurate estimates compared with strategies that recorded it once to thrice per day. These results indicate that the type of device (i.e., data logger) and sampling strategies affect BT outcomes and that these decisions affect the interpretation of BT data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazyne Tresoldi
- Center for Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616; College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico 95929
| | | | - Cassandra B Tucker
- Center for Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616.
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Broucek J, Ryba S, Dianova M, Uhrincat M, Soch M, Sistkova M, Mala G, Novak P. Effect of evaporative cooling and altitude on dairy cows milk efficiency in lowlands. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2020; 64:433-444. [PMID: 31758318 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-019-01828-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this current work was to determinate the effect of high temperatures on milk production of dairy cows in southern Slovakia in the year 2015. The hypotheses that milk production is influenced by the altitude and cooling were tested. Production data included 227,500 test-day records belonging to 34 Holstein breed herds situated in lowlands, 115 to 150 m above sea level (ASL) and kept in free-stall housing. Dairy farms were classified into groups based on cooling system. The first group of cows (19 herds) was cooled evaporative (foggers) and forced ventilation, and the second group (15 herds) was using cooled only forced ventilation (automatically controlled fans in housing and feeding areas). During the period from May to September, 36 summer and 22 tropical days were recorded, 37 days had a mean thermal humidity index value above 72.0, and on 34 days we recorded mean values above 78.0. The highest milk yields were recorded at the altitude 1 (115 m ASL) (9219.0 kg year-1; 10327.0 kg year-1) and the lowest at the altitude 2 (126 m ASL) (7598.7 kg year-1; 8470.21 kg year-1) (P < 0.001). Dairy cows cooled evaporative milked significantly more milk than cows cooled only with forced air flow (9650.4 kg vs. 8528.0 kg; P < 0.001). Fat and protein production differed also significantly (364.0 kg vs. 329.5 kg, P < 0.001; 312.2 kg vs. 279.7 kg, P < 0.001). It can be concluded that not only heat stress but also location farm above sea level can affect milk production. Evaporative cooling associated with increased air velocity is the appropriate protection against high temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Broucek
- National Agricultural and Food Centre, Research Institute of Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecka 2, 951 41, Luzianky, Slovakia.
| | - Stefan Ryba
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marta Dianova
- The Breeding Services of the Slovak Republic, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Uhrincat
- National Agricultural and Food Centre, Research Institute of Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecka 2, 951 41, Luzianky, Slovakia
| | - Miloslav Soch
- South Bohemia University, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Sistkova
- South Bohemia University, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Gabriela Mala
- Research Institute of Animal Production, Praha-Uhrineves, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Novak
- Research Institute of Animal Production, Praha-Uhrineves, Czech Republic
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Bezdíček J, Nesvadbová A, Louda F. The Effect of High Summer Temperatures on Reproduction in Holstein and Czech Fleckvieh. ACTA UNIVERSITATIS AGRICULTURAE ET SILVICULTURAE MENDELIANAE BRUNENSIS 2020. [DOI: 10.11118/actaun202068010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Mee JF, Boyle LA. Assessing whether dairy cow welfare is "better" in pasture-based than in confinement-based management systems. N Z Vet J 2020; 68:168-177. [PMID: 31973680 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2020.1721034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Consumers perceive pasture-based systems of milk production as natural and therefore better for cow welfare than confinement systems. However both systems are heterogeneous and continually evolving, varying from total confinement to total pasture with many hybrid intermediaries. To compare the welfare of dairy cows in these various systems, we use the three spheres framework, comprising biological functioning, natural behaviour and affective states. Considering biological functioning, pasture-based cows are less at risk of subclinical and clinical mastitis, claw lesions, lameness, metritis, early embryonic mortality, culling and mortality, but at more risk of internal parasitism, malnutrition and delayed onset of oestrous activity postpartum than confined cows. Regarding natural behaviours, pasture-based cows exhibit less agonistic behaviour, better lying behaviour, more normal oestrous behaviours and better synchronicity of behaviours than confined cows. They also have the opportunity to graze, which is one of the main features of the behavioural repertoire of dairy cows, but, they may also experience long periods away from pasture in larger herds, and severe climatic stresses which will become increasingly important as the climate changes. Our current ability to assess the affective state of dairy cows is poor. For example, hunger is an important subjective state that cannot be measured directly. The growing focus on ensuring that animals have lives worth living, means that dairy cows should garner some positive emotions from their lives, and it seems clear that pasture access is essential for this. Clearly measurement of affective state is an important challenge for future dairy cow welfare research. At the extremes of management systems, there can be major differences in animal welfare but in hybrid systems, dairy cows experience elements of both confinement and pasture which may ameliorate the negative effects of each on cow welfare. Ultimately, the optimal system gives cows an element of choice between both environments. Moreover management of the system, whether it is confinement or pastured-based, may be as important as the system of management in ensuring good dairy cow welfare and addressing societal concerns.Abbreviations: BCS: Body condition score; TMR: Total mixed ration.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Mee
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc, Moorepark Research Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - L A Boyle
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc, Moorepark Research Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
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Salvin HE, Lees AM, Cafe LM, Colditz IG, Lee C. Welfare of beef cattle in Australian feedlots: a review of the risks and measures. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/an19621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The rising global demand for animal protein is leading to intensification of livestock production systems. At the same time, societal concerns about sustainability and animal welfare in intensive systems is increasing. This review examines the risks to welfare for beef cattle within commercial feedlots in Australia. Several aspects of the feedlot environment have the potential to compromise the physical and psychological welfare of cattle if not properly monitored and managed. These include, but are not limited to, animal factors such as the influence of genetics, temperament and prior health, as well as management factors such as diet, pen design, resource provision, pregnancy management, and stock-person attitudes and skills. While current industry and producer initiatives exist to address some of these issues, continuous improvements in welfare requires accurate, reliable and repeatable measures to allow quantification of current and future welfare states. Existing measures of welfare are explored as well as proxy indicators that may signal the presence of improved or reduced welfare. Finally, potential future measures of welfare that are currently under development are discussed and recommendations for future research are made.
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Naderi N, Ghorbani GR, Sadeghi-Sefidmazgi A, Kargar S, Hosseini Ghaffari M. Substitution of corn silage with shredded beet pulp affects sorting behaviour and chewing activity of dairy cows. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2019; 103:1351-1364. [PMID: 31342577 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the effects of substituting increasing concentrations of shredded beet pulp (SBP) for corn silage (CS) on nutrient intake, sorting index, intakes of particle size and nutrients, meal and rumination patterns, and chewing activity of dairy cows. Four multiparous (126 ± 13 day in milk) and 4 primiparous (121 ± 11 day in milk) Holstein cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment with 4 periods of 21 days. Dietary treatments were (DM basis): 16% of dietary DM as CS without SBP (0SBP); 8% CS and 8% SBP (8SBP); 4% CS and 12% SBP (12SBP); and 0% CS and 16% SBP (16SBP). We observed a reduction in the extent of sorting against long particles and medium particles but for fine particles with increasing SBP levels in the diets. The number of eating bouts per day was lesser (8.2%) in cows fed SBP diets compared with 0SBP cows and corresponded with a reduction in eating time per d across treatments. The number of ruminating bouts per day was similar across diets (16.8 bouts/day), but substituting SBP for CS in the diets tended to decrease linearly ruminating bout length (5 min/bout) and tended to increase ruminating bout interval (8 min/day). Eating, ruminating and total chewing time when expressed as minutes per kilogram of forage NDF intake and peNDF > 8 intake increased when SBP was substituted for CS in the diets. Primiparous cows had greater ruminating time (57 m/day) and total chewing time (73 min/day), eating rate (0.01 kg of DM/min) compared with multiparous cows. Also, increasing forage NDF and peNDF>8 , >8-mm DM intakes are effective means of stimulating ruminating and chewing activities. This study showed that SBP could partially replace CS and not affect DM intake, but chewing activity may decrease slightly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Naderi
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Gholam R Ghorbani
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ali Sadeghi-Sefidmazgi
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shahryar Kargar
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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Van Os JM. Considerations for Cooling Dairy Cows with Water. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2019; 35:157-173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Liu J, Li L, Chen X, Lu Y, Wang D. Effects of heat stress on body temperature, milk production, and reproduction in dairy cows: a novel idea for monitoring and evaluation of heat stress — A review. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2019; 32:1332-1339. [PMID: 30744345 PMCID: PMC6722315 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.18.0743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Heat stress exerts a substantial effect on dairy production. The temperature and humidity index (THI) is widely used to assess heat stress in dairy operations. Herein, we review the effects of high temperature and humidity on body temperature, feed intake, milk production, follicle development, estrous behavior, and pregnancy in dairy cows. Analyses of the effects of THI on dairy production have shown that body temperature is an important physiological parameter in the evaluation of the health state of dairy cows. Although THI is an important environmental index and can help to infer the degree of heat stress, it does not reflect the physiological changes experienced by dairy cows undergoing heat stress. However, the simultaneous measurement of THI and physiological indexes (e.g., body temperature) would be very useful for improving dairy production. The successful development of automatic detection techniques makes it possible to combine THI with other physiological indexes (i.e., body temperature and activity), which could help us to comprehensively evaluate heat stress in dairy cows and provide important technical support to effectively prevent heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangjing Liu
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.,Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Lanqi Li
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoli Chen
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yongqiang Lu
- Animal Husbandry Station of Beijing, Beijing 100107, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Galán E, Llonch P, Villagrá A, Levit H, Pinto S, del Prado A. A systematic review of non-productivity-related animal-based indicators of heat stress resilience in dairy cattle. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206520. [PMID: 30383843 PMCID: PMC6211699 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Projected temperature rise in the upcoming years due to climate change has increased interest in studying the effects of heat stress in dairy cows. Environmental indices are commonly used for detecting heat stress, but have been used mainly in studies focused on the productivity-related effects of heat stress. The welfare approach involves identifying physiological and behavioural measurements so as to start heat stress mitigation protocols before the appearance of impending severe health or production issues. Therefore, there is growing interest in studying the effects of heat stress on welfare. This systematic review seeks to summarise the animal-based responses to heat stress (physiological and behavioural, excluding productivity) that have been used in scientific literature. METHODS Using systematic review guidelines set by PRISMA, research articles were identified, screened and summarised based on inclusion criteria for physiology and behaviour, excluding productivity, for animal-based resilience indicators. 129 published articles were reviewed to determine which animal-based indicators for heat stress were most frequently used in dairy cows. RESULTS The articles considered report at least 212 different animal-based indicators that can be aggregated into body temperature, feeding, physiological response, resting, drinking, grazing and pasture-related behaviour, reactions to heat management and others. The most common physiological animal-based indicators are rectal temperature, respiration rate and dry matter intake, while the most common behavioural indicators are time spent lying, standing and feeding. CONCLUSION Although body temperature and respiration rate are the animal-based indicators most frequently used to assess heat stress in dairy cattle, when choosing an animal-based indicator for detecting heat stress using scientific literature to establish thresholds, characteristics that influence the scale of the response and the definition of heat stress must be taken into account, e.g. breed, lactation stage, milk yield, system type, climate region, bedding type, diet and cooling management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Galán
- Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3), Leioa, Spain
| | - Pol Llonch
- Departament of Animal and Food Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Bellaterra (UAB), Spain
| | - Arantxa Villagrá
- Centro de Investigación en Tecnología Animal (CITA), Valencian Institute for Agricultura Research (IVIA), Segorbe, Spain
| | - Harel Levit
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Research Orgazation (ARO)- Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Severino Pinto
- Engineering for Livestock Management, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Potsdam, Germany
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Brando S, Buchanan-Smith HM. The 24/7 approach to promoting optimal welfare for captive wild animals. Behav Processes 2017; 156:83-95. [PMID: 29113925 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
We have an ethical responsibility to provide captive animals with environments that allow them to experience good welfare. Husbandry activities are often scheduled for the convenience of care staff working within the constraints of the facility, rather than considering the biological and psychological requirements of the animals themselves. The animal welfare 24/7 across the lifespan concept provides a holistic framework to map features of the animal's life cycle, taking into account their natural history, in relation to variations in the captive environment, across day and night, weekdays, weekends, and seasons. In order for animals to have the opportunity to thrive, we argue the need to consider their lifetime experience, integrated into the environments we provide, and with their perspective in mind. Here, we propose a welfare assessment tool based upon 14 criteria, to allow care staff to determine if their animals' welfare needs are met. We conclude that animal habitat management will be enhanced with the use of integrated technologies that provide the animals with more opportunities to engineer their own environments, providing them with complexity, choice and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Brando
- World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland.
| | - Hannah M Buchanan-Smith
- Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland, United Kingdom.
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Polsky L, von Keyserlingk MA. Invited review: Effects of heat stress on dairy cattle welfare. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:8645-8657. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-12651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Brando S, Broom DM, Acasuso-Rivero C, Clark F. Optimal marine mammal welfare under human care: Current efforts and future directions. Behav Processes 2017; 156:16-36. [PMID: 28927965 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Marine mammals include cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, sea otters and polar bears, many of which are charismatic and popular species commonly kept under human care in zoos and aquaria. However, in comparison with their fully terrestrial counterparts their welfare has been less intensively studied, and their partial or full reliance on the aquatic environment leads to unique welfare challenges. In this paper we attempt to collate and review the research undertaken thus far on marine mammal welfare, and identify the most important gaps in knowledge. We use 'best practice case studies' to highlight examples of research promoting optimal welfare, include suggestions for future directions of research efforts, and make recommendations to strive for optimal welfare, where it is currently lacking, above and beyond minimum legislation and guidelines. Our review of the current literature shows that recently there have been positive forward strides in marine mammal welfare assessment, but fundamental research is still required to validate positive and negative indicators of welfare in marine mammals. Across all marine mammals, more research is required on the dimensions and complexity of pools and land areas necessary for optimal welfare, and the impact of staff absence for most of the 24-h day, as standard working hours are usually between 0900 and 1700.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Brando
- WAZA Executive Office IUCN Conservation Centre, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland.
| | - Donald M Broom
- Centre for Animal Welfare and Anthrozoology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK.
| | - Cristina Acasuso-Rivero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK.
| | - Fay Clark
- Bristol Zoological Society, c/o Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA, UK,.
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Effects of feed delivery frequency in different environmental conditions on time budget of lactating dairy cows. J DAIRY RES 2017; 84:272-279. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022029917000310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the influence of feed delivery frequency and environmental conditions on daily time budget of lactating dairy cows. The study was carried out in two commercial dairy farms with Holstein herds. Fifty lactating dairy cows milked in automatic milking units (AMS farm) and 96 primiparous lactating dairy cows milked in a conventional milking parlour (conventional farm) were exposed to different frequencies of feed delivery replicated in different periods of the year (warm and mild) that were characterized by different temperature-humidity indices (THI). On each farm, feeding treatments consisted of two different feed delivery frequencies (1× and 2× on the AMS farm; 2× and 3× on the conventional farm). All behaviours of the cows were monitored for the last 8 d of each treatment period using continuous video recording. The two data sets from different farm systems were considered separately for analysis. On both farms, environmental conditions expressed as THI affected time budgets and the pattern of the behavioural indices throughout the day. The variation in the frequency of feed delivery seems to affect the cow's time budget only in a limited way. Standing time of cows on the conventional farm and the time spent by cows in the milking waiting area on the AMS farm both increased in response to increased feeding frequency. Although feed delivery frequency showed limited influence on cow's time budget, the effect on standing time could be carefully considered, especially on farms equipped with AMS where the type of cow traffic system (e.g., milking first) might amplify the negative consequences of more frequent feed delivery. Further investigations are required to evaluate the effect of THI and feed delivery frequency on other aspects of behavioural activity.
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De K, Kumar D, Saxena VK, Thirumurugan P, Naqvi SMK. Effect of high ambient temperature on behavior of sheep under semi-arid tropical environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2017; 61:1269-1277. [PMID: 28091854 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-016-1304-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 12/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
High environmental temperature is a major constraint in sheep production under semi-arid tropical environment. Behavior is the earliest indicator of animal's adaptation and responses to the environmental alteration. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of high ambient temperature on the behavior of sheep under a semi-arid tropical environment. The experiment was conducted for 6 weeks on 16 Malpura cross (Garole × Malpura × Malpura (GMM)) rams. The rams were divided equally into two groups, designated as C and T. The rams of C were kept in comfortable environmental conditions served as control. The rams of T were exposed to a different temperature at different hours of the day in a climatic chamber, to simulate a high environmental temperature of summer in semi-arid tropic. The behavioral observations were taken by direct instantaneous observation at 15-min intervals for each animal individually. The feeding, ruminating, standing, and lying behaviors were recorded twice a week from morning (0800 hours) to afternoon (1700 hours) for 6 weeks. Exposure of rams to high temperature (T) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the proportion of time spent in feeding during the observation period in most of the hours of the day as compared to the C. The proportion of time spent in rumination and lying was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the T group compared to the C. The animals of T spent significantly (P < 0.05) more time in rumination in standing position as compared to the C. The overall proportion of time spent in standing, panting in each hour, and total panting time was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the T as compared to the C. The result of the study indicates that the exposure of sheep to high ambient temperature severely modulates the behavior of sheep which is directed to circumvent the effect of the stressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyan De
- Adaptation Physiology Laboratory, Physiology and Biochemistry Division, ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, via, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 304501, India.
| | - Davendra Kumar
- Adaptation Physiology Laboratory, Physiology and Biochemistry Division, ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, via, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 304501, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Saxena
- Adaptation Physiology Laboratory, Physiology and Biochemistry Division, ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, via, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 304501, India
| | - Palanisamy Thirumurugan
- Animal Nutrition Division, ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, via, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 304501, India
| | - Syed Mohammed Khursheed Naqvi
- Adaptation Physiology Laboratory, Physiology and Biochemistry Division, ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, via, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 304501, India
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Wildridge AM, Garcia SC, Thomson PC, Jongman EC, Clark CE, Kerrisk KL. The impact of a shaded pre-milking yard on a pasture-based automatic milking system. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/an16491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
During hot weather cows typically reduce feed intake and actively seek shade and water to reduce the metabolic stress on their bodies. This can have a negative impact on the occurrence of voluntary milking visits to an automatic milking system (AMS) operating with voluntary traffic, thus reducing milking frequency. Shade is known to be effective in alleviating heat stress in dairy cattle; however, the impact of providing shade at the milking facility of a pasture-based AMS on time taken to voluntarily enter a milking unit is unknown. A herd of ~300 lactating cows milked in a pasture-based AMS were divided into two groups during the summer of 2016. Each group spent 4 weeks in a SHADE (predominately shaded pre-milking yard) and a NO-SHADE (predominantly non-shaded pre-milking yard) treatment, with two periods in a crossover design. Cow respiration rates, time spent in pre- and post-milking areas, concentrate consumption and milk yield were recorded. On average, cows in the SHADE treatment were found to take longer to enter the milking unit than did cows in the NO-SHADE treatment (SHADE = 11.40 min, NO-SHADE = 8.70 min, P < 0.001). SHADE was also associated with lower average respiration rates (SHADE = 68 breaths per minute (bpm), NO-SHADE = 73 bpm, P < 0.001), increased concentrate consumption (SHADE = 6.50 kg/cow.day, NO-SHADE = 6.39 kg/cow.day, P = 0.03) and increased milk yield (SHADE = 11.44 kg/cow.milking, NO-SHADE = 10.95 kg/cow.milking, P < 0.001). Overall, SHADE made available to the cows pre-milking appeared to improve cow performance and comfort (as indicated by reduced respiration rates).
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Tresoldi G, Schütz KE, Tucker CB. Assessing heat load in drylot dairy cattle: Refining on-farm sampling methodology. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:8970-8980. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Chen JM, Schütz KE, Tucker CB. Sprinkler flow rate affects dairy cattle preferences, heat load, and insect deterrence behavior. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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A Case Study of Behaviour and Performance of Confined or Pastured Cows During the Dry Period. Animals (Basel) 2016; 6:ani6070041. [PMID: 27420102 PMCID: PMC4961997 DOI: 10.3390/ani6070041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of the dry cow management system (pasture or confined) on: (1) lying behaviour and activity; (2) feeding and heat stress behaviours; (3) intramammary infections, postpartum. Non-lactating Holstein cows were assigned to either deep-bedded, sand freestalls ( n = 14) or pasture ( n = 14) using rolling enrollment. At dry-off, cows were equipped with an accelerometer to determine daily lying time (h/d), lying bouts (bouts/d), steps (steps/d) and divided into periods: far-off (60 to 15 d prepartum), close-up (14 to 1 d prepartum), calving (calving date) and postpartum (1 to 14 d postpartum). Respiration rates were recorded once weekly from dry off to calving from 1300 to 1500 h. Feeding displacements were defined as one cow successfully displacing another from the feed bunk and were recorded once per week during the 2 h period, immediately after feeding at 800 h. Pastured cows were fed a commercial dry cow pellet during far-off and total mixed ration during close-up, with free access to hay and grazing. Freestall housed cows were fed a total mixed ration at far-off and close-up. Cows housed in freestalls were moved to a maternity pen with a mattress at commencement of labour. Pastured cows calved in pasture. After calving, all cows were commingled in a pen identical to the freestall housing treatment. Cows housed in freestalls laid down for longer during far-off and close-up periods, had fewer lying bouts during the calving period and took fewer steps throughout the study period when compared to pastured cows. Freestall housed cows experienced more displacements after feeding than did pastured cows. Respiration rates increased with an increasing temperature humidity index, more in pastured cows than in freestall housed cows. Pastured cows altered their lying behaviour and activity, suggesting a shift in time budget priorities between pastured and confined dry cows. Pastured cows also experienced less aggression around feeding but may be more susceptible to heat stress.
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Chen JM, Schütz KE, Tucker CB. Cooling cows efficiently with water spray: Behavioral, physiological, and production responses to sprinklers at the feed bunk. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:4607-4618. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Chen JM, Schütz KE, Tucker CB. Sprinkler flow rate affects dairy cattle avoidance of spray to the head, but not overall, in an aversion race. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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38
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Calegari F, Calamari L, Frazzi E. Cooling systems of the resting area in free stall dairy barn. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2016; 60:605-614. [PMID: 26335294 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-015-1056-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A study during the summer season evaluated the effect of different cooling systems on behavioral and productive responses of Italian Friesian dairy cows kept in an experimental-free stall barn located in the Po Valley in Italy. The study involved 30 lactating dairy cows subdivided into two groups kept in two pens with external hard court paddock in each free stall. The same cooling system was applied in the feeding area in both pens. A different cooling system in the resting area was applied to the two pens: in the pen SW, the resting area was equipped with fans and misters; in the other, there was simple ventilation (SV). Breathing rate, rectal temperature, milk yield, and milk characteristics (fat, protein, and somatic cell count) were measured. Behavioral activities (standing and lying cows in the different areas, as well as the animals in the feed bunk) were recorded. Mild to moderate heat waves during the trial were observed. On average, the breathing rate was numerically greater in SV compared with SW cows (60.2 and 55.8 breath/min, respectively), and mean rectal temperature remained below 39 °C in both groups during the trial (on average 38.7 and 38.8 °C in SV and SW, respectively. During the hotter periods of the trial, the time spent lying indoor in the free stall was greater in SW (11.8 h/day) than SV (10.7 h/day). Conversely, the time spent standing indoor without feeding was greater in SV (4.3 h/day) than SW (3.8 h/day). Milk yield was slightly better maintained during hotter period in SW compared with SV and somatic cell count was also slightly greater in the former. In conclusion, the adoption of the cooling system by means of evaporative cooling also in the resting area reduces the alteration of time budget caused by heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Calegari
- CRAST - Centro Ricerca Analisi geoSpaziale e Telerilevamento Facoltà di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Ambientali, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122, Piacenza, Italy.
| | - L Calamari
- Istituto di Zootecnica Facoltà di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Ambientali, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122, Piacenza, Italy
| | - E Frazzi
- Istituto di Enologia e Ingegneria Agro-alimentare, Sezione Ingegneria Agro-Ambientale Facoltà di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Ambientali, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122, Piacenza, Italy
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Gu Z, Yang S, Leng J, Xu S, Tang S, Liu C, Gao Y, Mao H. Impacts of shade on physiological and behavioural pattern of Dehong buffalo calves under high temperature. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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40
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Lopes LB, Eckstein C, Pina DS, Carnevalli RA. The influence of trees on the thermal environment and behaviour of grazing heifers in Brazilian Midwest. Trop Anim Health Prod 2016; 48:755-61. [PMID: 26894499 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-016-1021-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The intensification of the livestock production system has gained prominence over the last decades. In addition to the reduction of grazing areas and increased productivity per hectare, the intercropping involving forest tree species and ruminants has been established as a sustainable production model, generating income and valuation of natural capital. Besides the social, economic, and environmental aspects, the animal welfare is a noteworthy factor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microclimatic conditions in an open-pasture and in silvopastoral systems, considering the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) and alterations in animal behavior. Three different pasture arrangements were analyzed in this study: total absence of trees in an open-pasture (ArrA), presence of peripheral trees (Eucalyptus spp.) along the border fences (ArrB), and an intensive wooded area aggregated with pasture (ArrC). A herd of 24 crossbreed heifers (3/4 and 7/8 Holstein-Girolando breed) was evaluated. Behavior data were collected every 15 min starting at 08 h00 with readings ending at 16 h00. THI was used to evaluate the environmental comfort. The THI found in the system with open-pasture and in the two systems with silvopastoral arrangement reached critical levels. The two arrangements with eucalyptus rows were not capable of eliminating heat stress in the conditions found in the north region of Mato Grosso State although better conditions were obtained under the tree canopy. The differences between the microclimatic variables for the three arrangements modified the behavior of the animals regarding their location and activity, except for water consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Bastos Lopes
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation - Embrapa Agrosilvopastoral, Rodovia dos Pioneiros MT-222, Km 2,5, Sinop, MT, 78550-970, Brazil.
| | - Camila Eckstein
- Federal University of Mato Grosso - Campus Sinop, Avenida Alexandre Ferronato, 1200, Bairro Setor Industrial, Sinop, MT, 78557-267, Brazil
| | - Douglas Santos Pina
- Federal University of Mato Grosso - Campus Sinop, Avenida Alexandre Ferronato, 1200, Bairro Setor Industrial, Sinop, MT, 78557-267, Brazil
| | - Roberta Aparecida Carnevalli
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation - Embrapa Agrosilvopastoral, Rodovia dos Pioneiros MT-222, Km 2,5, Sinop, MT, 78550-970, Brazil
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41
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Palacio S, Bergeron R, Lachance S, Vasseur E. The effects of providing portable shade at pasture on dairy cow behavior and physiology. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:6085-93. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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42
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Strong RA, Silva EB, Cheng HW, Eicher SD. Acute brief heat stress in late gestation alters neonatal calf innate immune functions. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:7771-83. [PMID: 26298746 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-9591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Heat stress, as one of the environmental stressors affecting the dairy industry, compromises the cow milk production, immune function, and reproductive system. However, few studies have looked at how prenatal heat stress (HS) affects the offspring. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of HS during late gestation on calf immunity. Calves were born to cows exposed to evaporative cooling (CT) or HS (cyclic 23-35°C) for 1 wk at 3 wk before calving. Both bull and heifer calves (CT, n=10; HS, n=10) were housed in similar environmental temperatures after birth. Both CT and HS calves received 3.78 L of pooled colostrum within 12 h after birth and were fed the same diet throughout the study. In addition to tumor necrosis factor α, IL-1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), and toll-like receptor (TLR)2, and TLR4 mRNA expression, the expression of CD14(+) and CD18(+) cells, and DEC205(+) dendritic cells were determined in whole blood samples at d 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, differential cell counts, and the hematocrit were also determined. During late gestation, the HS cows had greater respiration rates, rectal temperatures, and tended to spend more time standing compared with the CT cows. The HS calves had less expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and TLR2 and greater levels of IL-1β, IL-1RA, and TLR4 compared with CT calves. The HS calves also had a greater percentage of CD18(+) cells compared with the CT calves. Additionally, a greater percentage of neutrophils and lesser percentage of lymphocytes were in the HS calves compared with the CT calves. The results indicate that biomarkers of calves' immunity are affected in the first several weeks after birth by HS in the dam during late gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Strong
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - E B Silva
- Livestock Behavior Research Unit, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - H W Cheng
- Livestock Behavior Research Unit, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - S D Eicher
- Livestock Behavior Research Unit, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
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Chen JM, Schütz KE, Tucker CB. Cooling cows efficiently with sprinklers: Physiological responses to water spray. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:6925-38. [PMID: 26233441 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-9434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dairies in the United States commonly cool cattle with sprinklers mounted over the feed bunk that intermittently spray the cows' backs. These systems use potable water-an increasingly scarce resource--but there is little experimental evidence about how much is needed to cool cows or about droplet size, which is thought to affect hair coat penetration. Our objectives were to determine how sprinkler flow rate and droplet size affect physiological measures of heat load in a hot, dry climate, and to evaluate cooling effectiveness against water use. The treatments were an unsprayed control and 6 soaker nozzles that delivered four 3-min spray applications of 0.4, 1.3, or ≥ 4.5 L/min (with 2 droplet sizes within each flow rate) and resulting in 30 to 47% of spray directly wetting each cow. Data were collected from high-producing lactating Holsteins (n = 19) tested individually in ambient conditions (air temperature = 31.2 ± 3.8°C, mean ± standard deviation). Cows were restrained in headlocks for 1h and received 1 treatment/d for 3d each, with order of exposure balanced in a crossover design. When cows were not sprayed, physiological measures of heat load increased during the 1-h treatment. All measures responded rapidly to spray: skin temperature decreased during the first water application, and respiration rate and body temperature did so before the second. Droplet size had no effect on cooling, but flow rate affected several measures. At the end of 1h, 0.4 L/min resulted in lower respiration rate and skin temperature on directly sprayed body parts relative to the control but not baseline values, and body temperature increased to 0.2°C above baseline. When 1.3 or ≥ 4.5 L/min was applied, respiration rate was lower than the control and decreased relative to baseline, and body temperature stayed below baseline for at least 30 min after treatment ended. The treatment that best balanced cooling effectiveness against water usage was 1.3 L/min: although ≥ 4.5 L/min reduced respiration rate relative to baseline by 4 more breaths/min than 1.3 L/min did (-13 vs. -9 breaths/min, respectively), each additional liter of water decreased this measure by only ≤ 0.1 breaths/min (≤ 1% of the total reduction achieved using 1.3 L/min). We found similar water efficiency patterns for skin temperature and the amount of time that body temperature remained below baseline after treatment ended. Thus, when using this intermittent spray schedule in a hot, dry climate, applying at least 1.3 L/min improved cooling, but above this, additional physiological benefits were relatively minor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Chen
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616
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Kanjanapruthipong J, Junlapho W, Karnjanasirm K. Feeding and lying behavior of heat-stressed early lactation cows fed low fiber diets containing roughage and nonforage fiber sources. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:1110-8. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Tripon I, Cziszter LT, Bura M, Sossidou EN. Effects of seasonal and climate variations on calves' thermal comfort and behaviour. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2014; 58:1471-1478. [PMID: 24141562 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-013-0749-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to measure the effect of season and climate variations on thermal comfort and behaviour of 6-month-old dairy calves housed in a semi-opened shelter to develop animal-based indicators for assessing animal thermal comfort. The ultimate purpose was to further exploit the use of those indicators to prevent thermal stress by providing appropriate care to the animals. Measurements were taken for winter and summer seasons. Results showed that season significantly influenced (P ≤ 0.01) the lying down behaviour of calves by reducing the time spent lying, from 679.9 min in winter to 554.1 min in summer. Moreover, season had a significant influence (P ≤ 0.01) on feeding behaviour. In detail, the total length of feeding periods was shorter in winter, 442.1 min in comparison to 543.5 min in summer. Time spent drinking increased significantly (P ≤ 0.001), from 11.9 min in winter to 26.9 min in summer. Furthermore, season had a significant influence (P ≤ 0.001) on self grooming behaviour which was 5.5 times longer in duration in winter than in summer (1,336 s vs 244 s). It was concluded that calves' thermal comfort is affected by seasonal and climate variations and that this can be assessed by measuring behaviour with animal-based indicators, such as lying down, resting, standing up, feeding, rumination, drinking and self grooming. The indicators developed may be a useful tool to prevent animal thermal stress by providing appropriate housing and handling to calves under seasonal and climate challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulian Tripon
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 300645, Calea Aradului 119, Timisoara, Romania,
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Calegari F, Calamari L, Frazzi E. Fan cooling of the resting area in a free stalls dairy barn. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2014; 58:1225-1236. [PMID: 24122338 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-013-0716-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This summer study evaluated the effect of providing additional fans (cooling) in the resting area within a free-stall dairy barn that had fans and sprinklers in the feeding area and paddock availability. Thirty cows were divided into two homogenous groups and kept in two pens: one had the resting area equipped with two fans (FAN) while no fans were added to the other resting area (CON). Microclimatic parameters, rectal temperature (RT), breathing rate (BR), milk yield, and milk pH traits were recorded. Time budgeting and the behaviour of the cows (time spent in the feeding area, standing and lying in other areas) were also recorded using digital video technology. Two slight-to-moderate heat waves were observed. During the hottest period the daily maximum temperature recorded was 33.5 °C and the daily maximum THI was 81.6. During this period, the BR and RT increased only slightly in both groups, with lower BR (n.s.) in FAN compared with CON. Milk yield was better maintained (n.s.) in FAN compared with CON during the hottest period. The FAN cows showed a greater (P<0.05) lying time in the free stalls (9.5 and 8.6 h/day in FAN and CON, respectively), whereas CON cows made greater (P<0.05) use of the paddock during evening and late evening hours. Consequently, the total daily lying time was 13.5 h/day in both groups. In conclusion, the results suggest that using fans in the resting area improves cow comfort, which increases use of the resting area. The lying time results also suggest that the benefits of providing ventilation in the resting area might be more evident in barns where there is no paddock.
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Schütz K, Cox N, Tucker C. A field study of the behavioral and physiological effects of varying amounts of shade for lactating cows at pasture. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:3599-605. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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48
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Chen JM, Schütz KE, Tucker CB. Dairy cows use and prefer feed bunks fitted with sprinklers. J Dairy Sci 2013; 96:5035-45. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-6282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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49
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Falk A, Weary D, Winckler C, von Keyserlingk M. Preference for pasture versus freestall housing by dairy cattle when stall availability indoors is reduced. J Dairy Sci 2012; 95:6409-15. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2011-5208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Bond TA, Sear D, Edwards M. Temperature-driven river utilisation and preferential defecation by cattle in an English chalk stream. Livest Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2012.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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