1
|
Reuscher KJ, Cook NB, da Silva TE, Mondaca MR, Lutcherhand KM, Van Os JMC. Effect of different air speeds at cow resting height in freestalls on heat stress responses and resting behavior in lactating cows in Wisconsin. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:9552-9567. [PMID: 37678773 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23364] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Heat abatement (e.g., soakers, fans) effectively reduces the negative physiological and production effects of heat stress, but no previous studies have documented effective interventions for the reduced lying times observed in response to hot weather. Although likely adaptive for heat dissipation, the reduction in motivated lying behavior may be an animal welfare concern. We evaluated the effect of air speed from fans with variable frequency drives on the heat stress responses of cows in a naturally ventilated freestall barn. Eight groups of lactating Holsteins (16 cows/group) were exposed to 3 treatments in a replicated crossover design: control (fans off, 0.4 ± 0.2 m/s, measured 0.5 m above the stall surface to represent cow resting height) versus 60% (1.7 ± 0.5 m/s; ≥1 m/s in all stalls) and 100% (2.4 ± 0.8 m/s) fan power. Each treatment was applied for 3 d of acclimation and 4 d of data collection. The effects of treatment on daily maximum vaginal temperature (VT) and lying time (LT; both measured with data loggers), respiration rate (RR; recorded from video), unshaved scapular skin temperature (ST), milk yield (MY), and dry matter intake (DMI) were analyzed using linear mixed models. All models included the fixed effect of treatment and a repeated term for treatment day within group of cows, with group as the subject. The models for LT, VT, and RR also included a fixed effect for same-day temperature-humidity index (THI; recorded in the pens with data loggers) and the THI × treatment interaction. The models for DMI and MY, using data from the latter 3 d of each treatment period, also included a fixed effect for the previous day's THI and the -1 d THI × treatment interaction. Lying time differed among treatments (100% vs. 60% fan power vs. control: 14.2 vs. 13.9 vs. 13.2 h/d, respectively, SEM = 0.15 h/d), but both fan treatments prevented the reduction in LT observed in the control treatment as THI increased. Relative to the control, both fan treatments effectively reduced ST, RR, and VT and increased DMI and MY. In the control, average values were elevated for both RR (68.7 ± 1.5 breaths/min, mean ± SEM, greater than a common benchmark of 60 breaths/min) and VT (39.3 ± 0.05°C) but remained in the normal range in both fan treatments (54.2 vs. 50.7 breaths/min in the 60% vs. 100% fan power treatments; 39.0°C in both fan treatments). Both fan treatments resulted in greater overall MY (42.6 vs. 43.0 ± 0.4 kg/d in the 60% vs. 100% fan power treatments) relative to the control (41.0 kg/d) and similarly avoided the reduction in MY when -1 d THI increased. Compared with natural ventilation alone, fans delivering air speeds of at least 1 m/s at cow resting height were effective not only for reducing thermoregulatory responses, but also for maintaining lying time, DMI, and MY in heat stress conditions. This is the first study to demonstrate an intervention to improve animal welfare by maintaining lying times during periods of heat stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly J Reuscher
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Nigel B Cook
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Tadeu E da Silva
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Mario R Mondaca
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | | | - Jennifer M C Van Os
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shephard RW, Maloney SK. A review of thermal stress in cattle. Aust Vet J 2023; 101:417-429. [PMID: 37620993 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Cattle control body temperature in a narrow range over varying climatic conditions. Endogenous body heat is generated by metabolism, digestion and activity. Radiation is the primary external source of heat transfer into the body of cattle. Cattle homeothermy uses behavioural and physiological controls to manage radiation, convection, conduction, and evaporative exchange of heat between the body and the environment, noting that evaporative mechanisms almost exclusively transfer body heat to the environment. Cattle control radiation by shade seeking (hot) and shelter (cold) and by huddling or standing further apart, noting there are intrinsic breed and age differences in radiative transfer potential. The temperature gradient between the skin and the external environment and wind speed (convection) determines heat transfer by these means. Cattle control these mechanisms by managing blood flow to the periphery (physiology), by shelter-seeking and standing/lying activity in the short term (behaviourally) and by modifying their coats and adjusting their metabolic rates in the longer term (acclimatisation). Evaporative heat loss in cattle is primarily from sweating, with some respiratory contribution, and is the primary mechanism for dissipating excess heat when environmental temperatures exceed skin temperature (~36°C). Cattle tend to be better adapted to cooler rather than hotter external conditions, with Bos indicus breeds more adapted to hotter conditions than Bos taurus. Management can minimise the risk of thermal stress by ensuring appropriate breeds of suitably acclimatised cattle, at appropriate stocking densities, fed appropriate diets (and water), and with access to suitable shelter and ventilation are better suited to their expected farm environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R W Shephard
- School of Electrical and Data Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & IT, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S K Maloney
- School of Human Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Silva MVD, Pandorfi H, Peixoto MSM, Barbosa Filho JAD, Almeida GLPD, Oliveira da Silva IJ, Oliveira KPLD, Viana VDSS, Oliveira-Júnior JFD, Guiselini C, Marinho GTB, Mesquita M, Santos RC, Macêdo GAPDA, Ferreira MB, Jardim AMDRF, Silva JLBD. Vaginal temperature modeling in Holstein cows and cluster analysis by the cophenetic correlation coefficient. J Therm Biol 2023; 115:103580. [PMID: 37327615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103580] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The objective was to establish a model for the prediction and characterization of vaginal temperature in Holstein cows, based on environmental predictors and thermal comfort indices, through cluster analysis, validation by the cophenetic correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. The micrometeorological characterization of the site was carried out by recording the air temperature (Tair), the relative humidity (RH), the black globe temperature (BGT), the black globe temperature and humidity (BGHI), and dew point temperature (TDP). The recording of vaginal temperature (Tv) was performed in eight dairy cows using temperature sensors, equipped with data loggers, coupled with intravaginal devices. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and cluster analysis (CA) by using the hierarchical agglomerative method based on the value of the cophenetic correlation coefficient (CCC >0.70), in which representative physiological models were established, characterizing the Tv through multiple regression. In the afternoon the coefficient of variation (CV) was low for all variables, indicating homogeneity of the meteorological variables and efficiency of the ventilation system. The temperature and humidity index (THI) was mild only on the morning. There was a variation of 0.28 °C of Tv between shifts, sufficient to characterize the condition of comfort and stress of the animal, with values above 39 °C indicating animal stress. Tv showed strong correlation with BGT, Tair, TDP and RH, assuming that physiological variables, such as Tv, tend to have greater relationship with abiotic variables. Empirical models were established for estimating Tv based on the analyses performed in this study. Model 1 is recommended for TDP ranges of 14.00-21.00 °C and RH of 30-100%, while model 2 can be used for Tair situations up to 35 °C. The regression models for estimating Tv are promising for characterizing the thermal comfort of dairy cows housed in compost barn systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Vinícius da Silva
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manoel de Medeiros Avenue, SN, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil.
| | - Héliton Pandorfi
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manoel de Medeiros Avenue, SN, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
| | | | | | - Gledson Luiz Pontes de Almeida
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manoel de Medeiros Avenue, SN, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Iran José Oliveira da Silva
- Animal Environment Research Nucleus (NUPEA) - University of São Paulo (USP/ESALQ), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Cristiane Guiselini
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manoel de Medeiros Avenue, SN, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Thales Barboza Marinho
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manoel de Medeiros Avenue, SN, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Marcio Mesquita
- Department of Agronomy, Federal University of Goiás, Esperança Avenue, Goiânia, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Couto Santos
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD), Rodovia Dourados-Itahum, km 12, Campus Universitário (Unidade II), Caixa-Postal: 533, Dourados 79804-970, MS, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Beatriz Ferreira
- Department of Forest Science, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Maniçoba da Rosa Ferraz Jardim
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manoel de Medeiros Avenue, SN, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Jhon Lennon Bezerra da Silva
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manoel de Medeiros Avenue, SN, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Deniz M, De-Sousa KT, Vieira FMC, Vale MMD, Dittrich JR, Daros RR, Hötzel MJ. A systematic review of the effects of silvopastoral system on thermal environment and dairy cows' behavioral and physiological responses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2023; 67:409-422. [PMID: 36680629 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-023-02431-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Does the silvopastoral system (SPS) promote a satisfactory thermal environment for dairy cows to perform their natural behaviors and perform a suitable thermoregulatory function? To answer this, peer-reviewed articles, written in English and evaluating the effects of silvopastoral systems on thermal environment, dairy cows' behavior, and physiology were used in this systematic review; additionally, a bibliometric approach was performed. Web of Science and Google Scholar were used to compile the literature. The resulting articles (1448) underwent a 4-step appraisal process and resulted in 19 articles that fitted our inclusion criteria. Microclimate variables and thermal comfort indicators were the most researched topics (discussed in 89% of studies); 47% of studies addressed cattle behavior and 36% physiological responses. Our review highlights different benefits of silvopastoral systems for grazing dairy cows. For example, the SPS provides a more comfortable thermal environment than treeless pasture, which increases feeding behaviors; furthermore, dairy cows in SPS show lower drinking events, surface temperature, and respiratory rate than cows raised in treeless pasture. However, for nine of the variables related to cows' behavior (e.g., resting, rumination) and physiology responses (e.g., internal temperature), the results of the studies were unclear. Furthermore, behaviors associated with lying down (e.g., idling and rumination) and milk production in SPS were explored only in six and two studies, respectively. These findings provide consistent evidence that the silvopastoral systems are beneficial to thermal comfort of dairy cows; nonetheless, the effect on cows' behavioral and physiological responses is still scarce and unclear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Deniz
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Dep. de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
- Grupo de Estudos em Biometeorologia, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Dois Vizinhos, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Karolini Tenffen De-Sousa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Dep. de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Martinez do Vale
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Dep. de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - João Ricardo Dittrich
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Dep. de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ruan Rolnei Daros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Escola de Medicina e Ciências da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Maria José Hötzel
- Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada e Bem-estar Animal, Dep. de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Han CS, Kaur U, Bai H, Roqueto dos Reis B, White R, Nawrocki RA, Voyles RM, Kang MG, Priya S. Invited review: Sensor technologies for real-time monitoring of the rumen environment. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:6379-6404. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
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;
| |
Collapse
|