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Dairy Cows Activity under Heat Stress: A Case Study in Spain
Adrián Ramón-Moragues1, Patricia Carulla2, Carlos Mínguez3
1Centro de Tecnología Animal CITA-IVIA, Polígono La Esperanza, 100, 12400 Segorbe, Castellón, Spain.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|August 27, 2021
Summary
Heat stress negatively impacts dairy cow welfare and productivity by altering behavior. Activity sensors reveal increased general activity, changed feeding, and reduced rumination and resting during heat stress periods.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Environmental Physiology
- Precision Livestock Farming
Background:
- Heat stress significantly affects dairy cattle welfare and productivity in warm climates.
- Behavioral changes in dairy cows serve as indicators of environmental and physiological stress.
- Precision livestock farming offers tools for continuous, individual monitoring of animal behavior and welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of heat stress on dairy cow behavior using activity sensors.
- To correlate environmental conditions, specifically the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), with behavioral alterations.
- To assess the utility of precision livestock farming for monitoring heat stress effects.
Main Methods:
- Activity sensors were used to record 6 behaviors in 40 dairy cows over summer 2020 in Spain.
- Environmental data, including temperature and humidity, were monitored hourly.
- Statistical analysis classified hours into quartiles based on accumulated THI, defining 'no stress' (Q4) and 'heat stress' (Q1) groups.
Main Results:
- Heat stress significantly altered dairy cow behavior, increasing general activity and modifying feeding patterns.
- A notable decrease in rumination and resting behaviors was observed under heat stress conditions.
- Daily behavioral patterns were affected, with reduced resting during hot hours and decreased night-time rumination.
Conclusions:
- Heat stress adversely impacts all recorded behaviors and daily patterns in dairy cows.
- Precision livestock farming sensors are effective tools for monitoring behavioral changes indicative of heat stress.
- Monitoring daily behavioral patterns aids in the early detection of heat stress and potential welfare issues.
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