Veterinarski arhiv, Vol. 95 No. 4, 2025.
Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.24099/vet.arhiv.2788
Comprehensive review of heat stress effects on dairy cattle: the implicationsfor production, reproduction, and adaptation in the context of climate change
Nenad Mićić
; Institute for Animal Husbandry, Department of Cattle Breeding and Genetics, Belgrade, Serbia
Vladan Bogdanović
; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Belgrade, Serbia
Dragan Stanojević
; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Belgrade, Serbia
Mirna Gavran
; University of J. J. Strossmayer in Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Department for Animal Production and Biotechnology, Osijek, Croatia
Marko Samardžija
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Antun Kostelić
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Zagreb, Croatia
Vesna Gantner
; University of J. J. Strossmayer in Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Department for Animal Production and Biotechnology, Osijek, Croatia
*
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Heat stress poses a significant threat to dairy cattle, impacting their physiological, reproductive, and production performance. This review aims to provide an in-depth examination of the effects of heat stress on dairy cattle, fo- cusing on how elevated ambient temperatures influence milk production, reproductive efficiency, and overall animal health. The physiological responses to heat stress, including increased respiration rate, elevated body temperature, and changes in feeding and drinking behaviors were analysed and discussed. Heat stress leads to a decrease in feed intake, an increase in water consumption, reduced growth rates, and diminished milk yield and quality. Reproductive performance is also adversely affected, with reduced fertility and increased risk of embryonic loss. Dairy breeds, particularly those with higher production levels, are more susceptible to heat stress due to their higher metabolic heat production. The review highlights the impact of heat stress on the immune and endocrine systems, increasing vul- nerability to diseases and inflammatory conditions. Given the limited capacity of animals to adapt to the rapid pace of climate change, the review underscores the need for effective management strategies, including environmental modifications and genetic selection, to mitigate the adverse effects of heat stress. Finally, sustainable dairy farming remains a significant challenge in the context of global climate change and rising temperatures.
Ključne riječi
heat stress; dairy cattle; physiological responses; production performance; animal behavior
Hrčak ID:
337454
URI
Datum izdavanja:
1.10.2025.
Posjeta: 0 *