High-altitude adaptation and associated mortality risk in relocated Holstein cattle

This study evaluated the adaptability of Holstein cattle to high-altitude environments following their relocation from low-altitude regions (<500 m) to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (>3,500 m) and identified risk factors associated with physiological maladaptation. A cohort of 1,000 healthy Holstein heifers was relocated and monitored over a 5-mo period, with observations focusing on mortality rates, clinical symptoms, hematological parameters, and pulmonary arterial pressure. Postmortem examinations and 16S rRNA sequencing of gut microbiota were conducted. The observed mortality rate was 30.5%. The predominant clinical manifestations included anorexia, edema, pulmonary hypertension, and hematological abnormalities. Postmortem analyses confirmed that right-sided heart failure secondary to hypoxic pulmonary hypertension was the principal cause of mortality. Holstein heifers that survived exhibited a higher relative abundance of bacteria associated with energy metabolism, such as Tenericutes, TM7, Clostridium, Treponema, and Paludibacter, in comparison to those that did not survive. Immediate relocation to elevations exceeding 3,500 m presents significant risks. To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to restrict altitude transitions to 1,500 m or less. An alternative approach involves implementing a gradual acclimatization strategy, which includes adaptive rearing at elevations of 2,500 m or lower for a minimum period of 5 mo, alongside specific dietary modifications and probiotic supplementation. These findings provide both practical and theoretical foundations for the effective health management of Holstein heifers in high-altitude environments.