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Summary
Cold weather impacts livestock production. While cattle are cold-hardy, mild cold stress reduces their feed efficiency and production levels due to increased metabolic rate and faster digestion.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Environmental Physiology
- Livestock Production
Background:
- Livestock production in North America frequently occurs in cold climates (mean January temperatures below 0°C).
- Understanding the impact of cold on livestock is crucial for optimizing productivity and feed efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of cold conditions on the productivity and feed conversion efficiency of swine, dairy, and beef cattle.
- To elucidate the physiological mechanisms underlying seasonal production fluctuations in cattle exposed to cold stress.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on swine, dairy, and beef cattle in cold environments.
- Analysis of physiological responses to cold, including metabolic rate, digesta passage, and appetite.
Main Results:
- Swine are cold-susceptible and require heated housing in colder regions.
- Lactating and fattening cattle are cold-hardy, rarely experiencing temperatures below their lower critical limit.
- Mild cold stress in cattle leads to increased resting metabolic rate, higher energy requirements for maintenance, and reduced digestive efficiency due to faster digesta passage.
- Cold stimulates appetite in cattle, which may partially offset reduced production but not decreased feed utilization efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Cold environments pose distinct challenges for swine and cattle production.
- Physiological adaptations to mild cold stress in cattle, while maintaining core body temperature, negatively impact feed efficiency and overall production.
- Strategies to mitigate the negative effects of cold stress on livestock, particularly concerning energy utilization, are essential for efficient agricultural practices.