We shared cattle heat stress reminders in a recent post <Link>. The results of a recent study showed the benefits of enhanced day+night cooling versus day-only cooling of dairy cows. Over the duration of the study, enhanced day+night cooling cows produced more milk, had lower rumen temperatures and reduced panting compared with day-only cooling cows.
When temperatures remain above 70°F during the night, cattle are unable to recover before the next episode of heat exposure.”
Source: Journal of Dairy Science, May 31, 2023. Link. The combination of the shower array and the ducted air systems had a beneficial effect on milk production and cow welfare.
INSIGHTS: We noted this was likely the first study to compare enhanced day+night cooling to day-only cooling. Without a doubt, dairy producers will benefit from learning about these results from veterinarians and professionals who serve them.
Also see: From heat stress to disease—Immune response and candidate genes involved in cattle thermotolerance, Journal of Dairy Science, May 8, 2023. Link. Researchers explored the potential molecular mechanisms explaining how heat stress affects the immune system and, therefore, increases the occurrence of immune-related diseases in cattle and postulated linking candidate genes to potential biomarkers for heat stress.