Effect of Heat Stress on Various Physiological Activities and Especially on Reproductive Performance in Dairy Animals

Kamran Ahmad Nasir; Sohail Ahmad; Haider Zaman; Syeda Umm e Farwa Kazmi; Hafiz Aftab Jan; Imtiaz Ahmed Cheema; Muhammad Jafir Muneer; Muhammad Munir Khan; Umair Ahmed; Sardar Zarq Khan

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v3i2.710

Authors

Kamran Ahmad Nasir Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Institute of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
Sohail Ahmad Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, Faculty of Agriculture, The Afghan International Islamic University, Kabul, Afghanistan.
Haider Zaman Department of Poultry Science, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan.
Syeda Umm e Farwa Kazmi Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan.
Hafiz Aftab Jan Department of Animal Nutrition, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
Imtiaz Ahmed Cheema Livestock Dairy Development Department, Quetta, Baluchistan, Pakistan.
Muhammad Jafir Muneer Department of Livestock and Poultry Production, F.V.S Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, BZU, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan.
Muhammad Munir Khan Department of Livestock Management Breeding and Genetics, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
Umair Ahmed Department of Surgery, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
Sardar Zarq Khan Department of Animal Nutrition, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i2.710

Keywords:

Heat Stress, Dairy Cattle, Physiological Health, Reproductive Performance, Cooling Strategies, Nutritional Interventions, Milk Yield, Fertility, Climate Adaptation, Genetic Adaptation

Abstract

This study examined the effects of heat stress on the physiological functions and reproductive performance of dairy cows, emphasising the influence of cooling techniques, dietary interventions, and exposure to heat stress. This study employed a randomised controlled trial (RCT) methodology, involving two groups of dairy cows subjected to either heat stress conditions (30–35°C and 70–85% humidity) or thermoneutral settings (18–22°C and 45–55% humidity) conducted at UVAS, Lahore. Both groups received conventional or high-energy foods together with cooling measures (fans, misters, and shade). Physiological indicators, such as cortisol levels, body temperature, and respiration rates, were assessed in conjunction with oestrus cycles, ovulation rates, and pregnancy outcomes. The results indicated that heat stress markedly diminished milk production and reproductive health, characterised by prolonged estrous cycles, decreased ovulation rates, and lower pregnancy rates in the heat stress cohort. Cooling systems and nutritional techniques alleviated certain adverse effects; however, heat stress resulted in inferior outcomes relative to the control group. These results provide significant insights into how integrated management techniques can enhance dairy output and fertility rates under heat-stressed conditions. The research yielded substantial implications for dairy production operations, particularly in tropical and subtropical locations, where heat stress is a considerable issue. Future studies should focus on longitudinal studies regarding the effects of heat stress and genetic adaptation in dairy cattle, in addition to exploring the practical uses of cooling and nutritional therapies.

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