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Climate impacts and adaptation in US dairy systems 1981-2018
Maria Gisbert-Queral1,2,3, Arne Henningsen4, Bo Markussen5
1Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA. mgisbert@rams.colostate.edu.
Nature Food
|April 28, 2023
Summary
Dairy cows' milk production decreases in extreme heat and cold, with colder regions more sensitive to heat and warmer regions to cold. However, dairy cow sensitivity to temperature-humidity index (THI) has decreased over time.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Animal Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Dairy cattle welfare and productivity are significantly impacted by weather variability.
- Understanding the role of farm management in mitigating climate effects on dairy yields is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the influence of historical temperature-humidity index (THI) variations on US dairy milk yields.
- To quantify yield impacts from extreme heat and cold and regional sensitivities.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of monthly state-level milk yield data from 1981-2018.
- Utilized high-resolution daily weather data to calculate THI.
- Quantified milk yield changes relative to optimal THI conditions.
Main Results:
- Milk yields decrease by 3.7% in extreme heat (>79 THI) and 6.1% in extreme cold (<39 THI).
- Colder regions showed higher sensitivity to heat, while warmer regions were more sensitive to cold.
- Dairy cow sensitivity to THI has significantly decreased over the study period.
Conclusions:
- While climate trends have modestly aided yields by reducing cold stress, future extreme conditions may reverse these benefits.
- Farm management practices likely contribute to the observed reduction in THI sensitivity over time.
- Further research into adaptive management strategies is warranted to ensure sustained dairy productivity.
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