Study: Heat stress leads to low yields and behaviour changes in cattle

We are making our homes fit for purpose to cope with climate change, but should we also be doing the same for our farm animals?

A new research project aims to address the problem of dairy cow heat stress to ensure sustainable milk production and improve cow welfare as temperatures look set to increase in the future.

Researchers are seeking to understand the interaction between temperature, “microclimates” within farm buildings, and cow physiology and behaviour.

At high temperatures, dairy cows are known to suffer heat stress, which can reduce milk yield, impair fertility, and negatively affect their immune system and overall welfare. Such problems are likely to be compounded by temperature increases due to climate change, experts say.

Leinster SHC- Main Talking Points

Kilkenny 0-28 Galway 1-25

The Universities of Reading, Essex, Cardiff and Writtle University College are collaborating on a £1.24 million BBSRC-funded research project that aims to understand and address the causes of dairy cow heat stress within farm buildings.

The project will bring together experts in animal and dairy sciences, mathematical modelling and statistics, and building design engineering.

“Heat stress due to climate change could have severe negative consequences for the health and productivity of dairy cows,” said Chris Reynolds, Professor of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Reading. “Lactating cows have a high rate of metabolism, which makes them less tolerant of high temperatures. Research is essential to inform and shape future cow management strategies and building designs.”

Start Bike Week with the Callan Sportive

Research will take place at the University of Reading’s Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR) and six commercial dairy farms across the UK.

Individual cow behaviour will be continuously monitored using tracking sensors that record patterns of movement, activity, and space-use for each animal in the herd.

Detailed observations of barn “microclimates” (temperature, humidity, air quality, ventilation) will also be obtained and combined with physiological data (cow body temperature, milk production, health).

Kilkenny man’s head stamped on in ‘unprovoked,’ ‘vicious’ assault, court hears

Prison sentence imposed

Cows are known to adapt their behaviour to help cope with high temperatures and humidity: they may increase their intake of water, seek shade or areas of increased ventilation, or exhibit other individual and social behavioural responses, all of which can be observed.
The data collected will inform development of housing designed to reduce heat stress and improve welfare.