scholarly journals Mitigating heat stress of dairy cows bred in a free-stall barn by sprinkler systems coupled with forced ventilation

2017 ◽  
Vol 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro D'Emilio ◽  
Simona M.C. Porto ◽  
Giovanni Cascone ◽  
Marco Bella ◽  
Marco Gulino
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Respiration Rate ◽  
Rectal Temperature ◽  
Sprinkler System ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Forced Ventilation ◽  
Cooling Systems

This paper presents the results of a research study which had the objective of investigating the effect of a sprinkler system coupled with forced ventilation on the heat stress of dairy cows bred in a free stall barn without paddock. To this aim, an experiment was carried out inside a free-stall dairy house equipped with two different cooling systems: a fogging system associated with forced ventilation in the resting area and a sprinkler system associated with forced ventilation in the feeding alley. The experiment regarded two adjacent pens of the barn and was constituted by three different trials carried out in the following periods: 27th June – 7th July (P1), 25th July – 4th August (P2), 24th August – 3rd September (P3). The experimental protocol of each trial required that the treatment group was housed in one pen where the two cooling systems were always activated following an established timetable, whereas the control group was housed in the other pen, where the sprinkler system associated with forced ventilation was always deactivated. Climatic parameters were measured inside each pen of the barn and outside. Then, thermal humidity index (THI) was calculated. Rectal temperature and respiration rate of a sample of dairy cows were monitored each day during the three periods considered (P1, P2 and P3). During the three trials the cows of both groups were subjected to climatic conditions that resulted in average daily THI values between 72.8 and 74.7, corresponding to mild or moderate heat stress. However, during daytime, air temperature and relative humidity reached values corresponding to a severe heat stress, as attested by the maximum THI values that were higher than or very close to 80. Furthermore, it was observed that the sprinklers do not influence the microclimatic conditions. However, the physiological parameters values of the treatment group were always significantly lower than the corresponding ones of the control group. Specifically, the system especially influenced the respiration rate that, in the treatment group, was close to 50 breath/min, while in the control group it reached 70 breath/min. The sprinkler system had more limited effects on rectal temperature that, however, in the treatment group was significantly lower than in the control group (38.7°C to 38.8°C vs 39.1°C 39.4°C) in all the three periods of the experiment. These results show that the sprinkler system could be useful to mitigate heat stress in dairy cows.

scholarly journals On the influence of the alternation of two different cooling systems on dairy cow daily activities

2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simona M.C. Porto ◽  
Alessandro D'Emilio ◽  
Giovanni Cascone
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Time Budget ◽  
Feeding Activity ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Sprinkler System ◽  
Forced Ventilation ◽  
Cooling Systems

Among the causes that influence cow welfare, heat stress induced by microclimatic conditions is one of the most relevant and many studies have investigated the efficacy of different cooling systems on animal health status. Nevertheless, the direct influence of the cooling systems on possible modifications of dairy cow behaviour has been addressed in a few studies and the related results were affected by the presence of a paddock, which gave a refuge from hot temperature. Since an alteration of the daily time budget spent by dairy cows in their usual activities can be associated with changes in their health status, this study investigated the effects of the alternation of two different cooling systems on lying, standing, and feeding behaviour of a group of dairy cows bred in a free-stall dairy house where animals had no access to a paddock. The barn was equipped with a fogging system associated with forced ventilation installed in the resting area and a sprinkler system associated with forced ventilation installed in the feeding area. The two systems were activated alternately. The results demonstrated that the management of the two cooling systems affected the analysed behaviours. Though the activation of the cooling system installed in the resting area encouraged the decubitus of animals in the stalls, the activation of that one of the feeding alley could not be able to influence the standing behaviour and had only a moderate positive influence on the feeding activity.

Effect of propylene glycol on fertility of postpartum dairy cows experiencing seasonal heat stress

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atilla Yildiz ◽  
Zeki Erisir
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Propylene Glycol ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Energy Status ◽  
Seasonal Heat

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of a daily oral drench of Propylene Glycol (PG) on fertility in dairy cows experiencing seasonal heat stress. In treatment group, cows (n=9) were treated with drenching 250 ml propylene glycol once daily from 3 to 15 days post-partum following the morning milking. Another group of cows (n=9) was selected as untreated control. The serum beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations were used as indicators of energy status of the cows. Days to onset of luteal activity, calving to first service interval and pregnancy rate to first service were used to evaluate the reproductive performance. There was no difference in onset of luteal activity postpartum between the treatment and control groups. But the cows in the treatment group tended to have shorter intervals from calving to first insemination compared with cows in control group. The pregnancy rate to first service for cows treated with PG was 2.50 times greater compared with cows in control group. The energy balance was less negative for treatment group compared with control cows. In conclusion, although, drenching with 250 mL of PG per day from 3 to 15 days after calving did not improve the onset of luteal activity postpartum, treated cows tended to have shorter intervals from calving until first service. Propylene glycol administration would improve the negative energy balance status as observed by serum BHBA concentration, which might be an advantage to increase pregnancy rate at first AI in dairy cows experiencing seasonal heat stress.

scholarly journals Influence of Barn Climate, Body Postures and Milk Yield on the Respiration Rate of Dairy Cows

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 469-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Severino Pinto ◽  
Gundula Hoffmann ◽  
Christian Ammon ◽  
Barbara Amon ◽  
Wolfgang Heuwieser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Respiration Rate ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Body Postures ◽  
Daily Milk Yield

AbstractThe main objective of this study was to identify the influences of different climatic conditions and cow-related factors on the respiration rate (RR) of lactating dairy cows. Measurements were performed on 84 lactating Holstein Friesian dairy cows (first to eighth lactation) in Brandenburg, Germany. The RR was measured hourly or twice a day with up to three randomly chosen measurement days per week between 0700 h and 1500 h (GMT + 0100 h) by counting right thoraco-abdominal movements of the cows. Simultaneously with RR measurements, cow body postures (standing vs. lying) were documented. Cows’ milk yield and days in milk were recorded daily. The ambient temperature and relative humidity of the barn were recorded every 5 min to calculate the current temperature-humidity index (THI). The data were analyzed for interactions between THI and cow-related factors (body postures and daily milk yield) on RR using a repeated measurement linear mixed model. There was a significant effect of the interaction between current THI category and body postures on RR. The RRs of cows in lying posture in the THI < 68, 68 ≤ THI < 72 and 72 ≤ THI < 80 categories (37, 46 and 53 breaths per minute (bpm), respectively) were greater than those of standing cows in the same THI categories (30, 38 and 45 bpm, respectively). For each additional kilogram of milk produced daily, an increase of 0.23±0.19 bpm in RR was observed. Including cow-related factors may help to prevent uncertainties of RR in heat stress predictions. In practical application, these factors should be included when predicting RR to evaluate heat stress on dairy farms.

scholarly journals Predicting rectal temperature and respiration rate responses in lactating dairy cows exposed to heat stress

2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (6) ◽  
pp. 5466-5484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gan Li ◽  
Siyu Chen ◽  
Jian Chen ◽  
Dandan Peng ◽  
Xianhong Gu
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Respiration Rate ◽  
Rectal Temperature ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cows

scholarly journals Effects of cooled floor pads combined with chilled drinking water on behavior and performance of lactating sows under heat stress

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Zhu ◽  
L J Johnston ◽  
M H Reese ◽  
E S Buchanan ◽  
J E Tallaksen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Respiration Rate ◽  
Rectal Temperature ◽  
Time Budget ◽  
Video Recording ◽  
Lactating Sows ◽  
Before And After ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Drinking Frequency

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate whether cooled floor pads combined with chilled drinking water could alleviate negative impacts of heat stress on lactating sows. Thirty sows (Landrace × Yorkshire, Parity = 1 to 6) were housed in individual farrowing stalls in two rooms with temperatures being controlled at 29.4°C (0700–1900 hours) and 23.9°C (1900–0700 hours). Sows in one room (Cool), but not in the other room (Control) were provided cooled floor pads (21–22°C) and chilled drinking water (13–15°C). Behavior of sows (15 sows/treatment) was video recorded during farrowing, and days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 after farrowing. Videos were viewed continuously to register the birth time of each piglet, from which total farrowing duration and birth intervals were calculated. The number of drinking bouts and the duration of each drinking bout were registered for each sow through viewing videos continuously for 2 h (1530–1730 hours) each video-recording day. Postures (lying laterally, lying ventrally, sitting, and standing) were recorded by scanning video recordings at 5-min intervals for 24 h each video-recording day, and time budget for each posture was calculated. Rectal temperature and respiration rate were measured for all sows the day before and after farrowing, and then once weekly. Sow and litter performance was recorded. Data were analyzed using the Glimmix procedure of SAS. The cooling treatment did not affect sow behavior or litter performance. Sows in the Cool room had lower rectal temperature (P = 0.03) and lower respiration rate (P &lt; 0.001), consumed more feed (P = 0.03), tended to have reduced weight loss (P = 0.07), and backfat loss (P = 0.07) during lactation than sows in the Control room. As lactation progressed, sows increased drinking frequency (P &lt; 0.001) and time spent lying ventrally (P &lt; 0.0001), standing (P &lt; 0.001), and sitting (P &lt; 0.0001), and decreased time spent lying laterally (P &lt; 0.0001) in both Cool and Control rooms. While cooled floor pads combined with chilled drinking water did not affect sow behavior, they did alleviate heat stress partially, as indicated by decreased rectal temperature, respiration rate, weight, and backfat loss, and increased feed intake in lactating sows.

scholarly journals Experiments on Energy-Efficient Evaporative Cooling Systems for Poultry Farm Application in Multan (Pakistan)

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2836
Author(s):  
Khawar Shahzad ◽  
Muhammad Sultan ◽  
Muhammad Bilal ◽  
Hadeed Ashraf ◽  
Muhammad Farooq ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Evaporative Cooling ◽  
Thermal Exposure ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
The Body ◽  
Dew Point ◽  
Sweat Glands ◽  
Cooling Systems ◽  
Humidity Index

Poultry are one of the most vulnerable species of its kind once the temperature-humidity nexus is explored. This is so because the broilers lack sweat glands as compared to humans and undergo panting process to mitigate their latent heat (moisture produced in the body) in the air. As a result, moisture production inside poultry house needs to be maintained to avoid any serious health and welfare complications. Several strategies such as compressor-based air-conditioning systems have been implemented worldwide to attenuate the heat stress in poultry, but these are not economical. Therefore, this study focuses on the development of low-cost and environmentally friendly improved evaporative cooling systems (DEC, IEC, MEC) from the viewpoint of heat stress in poultry houses. Thermodynamic analysis of these systems was carried out for the climatic conditions of Multan, Pakistan. The results appreciably controlled the environmental conditions which showed that for the months of April, May, and June, the decrease in temperature by direct evaporative cooling (DEC), indirect evaporative cooling (IEC), and Maisotsenko-Cycle evaporative cooling (MEC) systems is 7–10 °C, 5–6.5 °C, and 9.5–12 °C, respectively. In case of July, August, and September, the decrease in temperature by DEC, IEC, and MEC systems is 5.5–7 °C, 3.5–4.5 °C, and 7–7.5 °C, respectively. In addition, drop in temperature-humidity index (THI) values by DEC, IEC, and MEC is 3.5–9 °C, 3–7 °C, and 5.5–10 °C, respectively for all months. Optimum temperature and relative humidity conditions are determined for poultry birds and thereby, systems’ performance is thermodynamically evaluated for poultry farms from the viewpoint of THI, temperature-humidity-velocity index (THVI), and thermal exposure time (ET). From the analysis, it is concluded that MEC system performed relatively better than others due to its ability of dew-point cooling and achieved THI threshold limit with reasonable temperature and humidity indexes.

scholarly journals Infrared thermography to assess thermoregulatory reactions of buffaloes supplemented with antioxidant and dense energy source in summer season

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-248
Author(s):  
YALLAPPA M. SOMAGOND ◽  
S. V. SINGH ◽  
ADITYA DESHPANDE ◽  
PARVENDER SHEORAN ◽  
V. P. CHAHAL
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Body Temperature ◽  
Infrared Thermography ◽  
Rectal Temperature ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Group I ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Region Temperature ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Lower Magnitude

Twenty-four lactating buffaloes were chosen and subsequently divided into 4 groups i.e. group-I (control), group-II (supplemented astaxanthin at 0.25 mg kg-1 BW/day), group-III (prill fat at 100 g day-1), and group-IV (combination). Surface body temperature at different anatomical regions of buffaloes was recorded using infrared thermography (IRT), rectal temperature using a digital thermometer, and cortisol hormone by ELISA kit at the fortnightly interval. Forehead region temperature showed a higher correlation (0.390) with THI compared to other anatomical regions. The change in surface body temperature was positively correlated with THI and cortisol levels. The increase in the IRT temperature at different anatomical sites of buffaloes was at a lower magnitude in treatment groups compared to the control group. Udder surface temperature was higher in peak lactation and high producing buffaloes. Forehead region temperature showed a close relationship with rectal temperature and cortisol levels of buffaloes. According to the research findings, astaxanthin and prill fat can be used in ameliorating heat stress. Infrared thermography (non-invasive method) of the forehead and udder can be used as indicators for measuring the heat stress and production levels of buffaloes, respectively.

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

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Véronique Ouellet ◽  
Izabella M. Toledo ◽  
Bethany Dado-Senn ◽  
Geoffrey E. Dahl ◽  
Jimena Laporta
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Respiration Rate ◽  
Rectal Temperature ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Subtropical Climate ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Environmental Indices ◽  
Temperature Humidity Index ◽  
Humidity Index

The effects of heat stress on dry cows are profound and significantly contribute to lower overall welfare, productivity, and profitability of the dairy sector. Although dry cows are more thermotolerant than lactating cows due to their non-lactating state, similar environmental thresholds are currently used to estimate the degree of heat strain and cooling requirements. Records of dry cow studies conducted over 5 years in Gainesville, Florida, USA were pooled and analyzed to determine environmental thresholds at which dry cows exhibit signs of heat stress in a subtropical climate. Dry-pregnant multiparous dams were actively cooled (CL; shade of a freestall barn, fans and water soakers, n = 107) or not (HT; shade only, n = 111) during the last 7 weeks of gestation, concurrent with the entire dry period. Heat stress environmental indices, including ambient temperature, relative humidity, and temperature-humidity index (THI), and animal-based indices, including respiration rate, rectal temperature and daily dry matter intake were recorded in all studies. Simple correlations were performed between temperature-humidity index and each animal-based indicator. Differences in respiration rate, rectal temperature and dry matter intake between treatments were analyzed by multiple regression. Using segmented regression, temperature-humidity thresholds for significant changes in animal-based indicators of heat stress were estimated. Stronger significant correlations were found between the temperature-humidity index and all animal-based indices measured in HT dry cows (−0.22 ≤ r ≤ 0.35) relative to CL dry cows (−0.13 ≤ r ≤ 0.19). Although exposed to similar temperature-humidity index, rectal temperature (+0.3°C; P &lt; 0.001) and respiration rate (+23 breaths/min; P &lt; 0.001) were elevated in HT dry cows compared with CL cows whereas dry matter intake (−0.4 kg of dry matter/d; P = 0.003) was reduced. Temperature-humidity index thresholds at which respiration rate and rectal temperature began to change were both determined at a THI of 77 in HT dry cows. No significant temperature-humidity threshold was detected for dry matter intake. At a practical level, our results demonstrate that dry cow respiration rate and rectal temperature increased abruptly at a THI of 77 when provided only shade and managed in a subtropical climate. Therefore, in the absence of active cooling, dry cows should be closely monitored when or before THI reaches 77 to avoid further heat-stress related impairments during the dry period and the subsequent lactation and to mitigate potential carry-over effects on the offspring.

Genetic variation of rectal temperature and its relationship to milk production in Holstein dairy cows

2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 ◽  
pp. 63-63
Author(s):  
S Khalajzade ◽  
N Emam Jomeh ◽  
A Salehi ◽  
A Moghimi Esfandabadi
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Heat Tolerance ◽  
Rectal Temperature ◽  
Weather Factors ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Very High ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Holstein Dairy Cows

Milk production is significantly decreased by thermal stress. The survival and performance of an animal during heat stress periods depend on several weather factors, especially temperature and humidity. Researchers reported dramatic decreases in milk production as temperature rose above 30 degree of centigrade. Very high environmental temperature is common during the summer months in Iran. Rectal temperature is as indicator of heat tolerance and has been the most frequently used physiological variable for estimating heat tolerance in cattle. Some dairy cows are more heat tolerant and productive when subjected to heat stress. Identification and selection of heat stress resistant cattle offers the potential to increase milk yield in tropical environment. The aim of the present study was to estimate genetic parameters of heat tolerance and its relationship to milk production in Holstein Dairy Cows in Iran.

scholarly journals Chronic heat stress regulates the relation between heat shock protein and immunity in broiler small intestine

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharif Hasan Siddiqui ◽  
Darae Kang ◽  
Jinryong Park ◽  
Mousumee Khan ◽  
Kwanseob Shim
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Small Intestine ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Heat Shock ◽  
Heat Shock Protein ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Negative Effect

Abstract Chronic heat stress is considered to decrease the immune functions which makes negative effect on broiler growth performance. Here, we investigated the relationship between chronic heat stress, growth performance, and immunity in the small intestine of broilers. The study included two groups (control and heat stressed group) with eight replications per group. Ten broilers of 20-day aged were allocated in each replication. On day 35, the treatment group was subdivided into two groups based on their body weights (heavy and low body weight). Although, there was only the control and treatment group on day 28. The growth performance decreased and expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), HSP60, and HSP47 increased on days 28 and 35 in the chronic heat stress group as compared with those in the control group. The expression levels of HSPs were significantly higher in the low body weight group than in the control group. The genes HSP70 and HSP60 were significantly associated with pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the small intestine of the broilers of the treatment group. Thus, HSP70 and HSP60 activated the adaptive immunity in the small intestines of the broilers from the treatment group to allow adaptation to chronic heat stress environment.

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