Heat Stress Impact on Livestock Production

Abstract

The effects of heat stress on several aspects of animal production are well documented. Heat stress results from the animal's inability to dissipate sufficient heat to maintain homeothermy. High ambient temperature, relative humidity, and radiant energy compromise the ability of animals to dissipate heat. As a result, there is an increase in body temperature, which in turn initiates compensatory and adaptive mechanisms to re-establish homeothermy and homeostasis. Heat stress could affect animal production and well-being, especially because of increase in air temperature. Heat stress is very common and on the increase particularly in the tropics. There is considerable research evidence that shows significant decline in animal performance when subjected to heat stress. Heat stress inflicts heavy economic losses on livestock production. The effects of heat stress is evident in feed consumption, production efficiency in terms of milk yield or weight gain per unit of feed energy, growth rate, egg production, and reproductive efficiency. The physiologic mechanisms underlying the action of heat stress on the decline of production performance of domestic animals have not been fully investigated. Heat stress requires further investigation, and the elucidation of the mechanisms may facilitate adoption of comprehensive preventive and control measures to combat heat stress in domestic animals. This chapter examines heat stress and its negative impacts on livestock production. It elucidates the general negative effects of heat stress on physiologic and production parameters of domestic livestock. The mechanisms involved when animals are subjected to heat stress and impacts of heat stress on domestic animals are emphasized. An understanding of these mechanisms may result in the development of improved techniques for enhancing livestock productivity in tropical environments.

Physiology response of the indigenous cattle breeds to the environment in West Sumbawa, Indonesia

“…Additionally, Sumbawa Ongole cattle has white coat colored causing the reflection process of radiation energy that is greater than Bali which has dominant brown colored. The reflection of radiant energy from the environment reduces heat absorption by the body [9]. Therefore the mechanism of thermoregulation and coat color of the cattle breeds, the body temperature variations on Sumbawa Ongole cattle between the morning and afternoon was lower than the Bali cattle.…”

“…When the temperature rose, the surface skin temperature also increased due to vasodilatory. Vasodilation is increased blood flow to peripheral blood vessels which aims to release heat from the body to the environment [9]. The body temperature of cattle are constant and uniform, but in certain parts there are different because of different insulation body.…”

“…However, the respiration rate of Bali cattle was lower than Sumbawa Ongole cattle either in the morning or afternoon. According to [9], differences in species and body size affects the rate of respiration. Sumbawa Ongole cattle has body size relatively larger than the Bali cattle that require much oxygen in the process of metabolism.…”

Climate change and One Health

“…Observations of cereal and livestock prices are crucial for early detection of hunger crises (Bechir 2010 ). Heat stress affects many animals and food crops, reducing performance, growth and yield and likely also leading to increased animal mortality (Daramola, Abioja and Onagbesan 2012 ; Fahad et al. 2017 ).…”

Ameliorative effects of betaine and ascorbic acid administration to broiler chickens during the hot-dry season in Zaria: A review

“…During hot conditions, characterized by high ambient temperature, relatively humidity and radiant energy, there is a decrease in the ability of animals to dissipate heat. This initiates compensatory and adaptive mechanisms to return the body to homeostasis (Daramola et al, 2012). When hot conditions persist, the difference between ambient temperature and body temperature of broiler chickens decreases, causing a reduced rate of sensible heat loss, which further results in mortality due to hyperthermia (Azoulay et al, 2011).…”