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Variations in Heat Load Nutritional Management on Animal Performance, Rumen Temperature and pH Characteristics in
Stephanie L Sammes1,2, Grace P James1,3, Megan L Sullivan1
1Animal Science Group, School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, The University of Queensland (Gatton Campus), Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|December 30, 2025
Summary
Nutritional management strategies can mitigate heat stress in cattle. Adjusting roughage in diets helps maintain rumen health during heat waves, though average daily gain was unaffected.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Ruminant Nutrition
- Environmental Physiology
Background:
- Heat waves pose significant challenges to livestock health and productivity.
- Rumen function is sensitive to environmental temperature and diet composition.
- Understanding how dietary adjustments impact rumen parameters during heat stress is crucial for animal welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of additional roughage and its timing on rumen temperature (TRUM), pH, intake, and growth in steers during a simulated heat wave.
- To assess the effectiveness of dietary modifications in mitigating heat stress effects on the rumen environment.
Main Methods:
- Forty-eight steers were subjected to a 21-day study including a 5-day simulated heat wave (Temperature Humidity Index 83-90).
- Three dietary treatments were applied: a control finisher diet (T1), and two treatments with a heat load diet introduced on day 9 (T2) or day 7 (T3).
- Rumen temperature, pH, dry matter intake (DMILW), water intake (WILW), and average daily gain were monitored throughout the study phases.
Main Results:
- During the heat wave, all treatments showed decreased dry matter intake (DMILW), increased rumen temperature (TRUM) and pH, and reduced diurnal TRUM and pH fluctuations.
- The timing of roughage addition did not significantly influence average daily gain (ADG).
- Dietary strategies impacted rumen parameters, indicating a response to heat stress and nutritional management.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional management, specifically the inclusion and timing of roughage, is a key factor in reducing the adverse effects of heat waves on the rumen environment.
- While rumen parameters were affected, average daily gain remained consistent across treatments, suggesting resilience or compensatory mechanisms.
- These findings highlight the importance of strategic feeding to support cattle health during extreme climatic conditions.
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