Physiological and Behavioral Changes of Water Buffalo in Hot and Cold Systems: Review

Abstract

This review's objective is to provide information on the mechanisms that buffaloes express during the thermoregulation process. Generally, the water buffalo is associated with warm and tropical climates. In these systems, the combination of high temperature, relative humidity, and radiation cause different physiological and behavioral changes, particularly during the summer months. Wallowing behavior in water or mud promotes heat dissipation through physical mechanisms, such as conduction, convection, and radiation. Furthermore, the provision of natural or artificial shades contributes to thermoregulation and maintains homeostasis. In production systems in cold climates, the wallowing behavior is inhibited by the water temperature, so it is important to keep the animals protected in stables to avoid the cold winds and rapid drops in temperature, causing increased illness pneumonia and sometimes death. Finally, in cold conditions, the animals require an appropriate diet since the use of energy is distributed mainly for the production of heat. Thus, heat stress and cold stress generates relevant problems in health, welfare, and productivity in water buffaloes. A comprehensive assessment of the severity of the resulting problems associated with thermal stress and specialty in cold stress in water buffaloes is necessary so far, and there's very little information about it in this species.

Characteristics of Buffalo Production and Research Systems in Southern Mexico

“…However, it is important to consider that buffaloes that graze freely on flooded land are more susceptible to endoparasites (fasciolosis and schistosomiasis), leptospirosis, Brucellosis, among other diseases such as mastitis, causing an economic impact due to low production, high mortality, and a threat to public health [28,40]. Finally, it is important to point out that buffalo can be productively efficient without the need to express their thermoregulatory behavior, as long as this natural behavior is substituted with the provision of natural or artificial shade and in an environment very close to the thermoneutral zone, as has been reported previously [38,41].…”

“…A general idea in buffalo production systems is that ponds and water are required to favor its thermoregulation due to its dark-colored, thick skin and lower density of sweat glands than cattle [37,38]. In addition, it is believed that the water or mud with which buffaloes cover their bodies is also a mechanism against ectoparasites [39].…”

Efficacy and Function of Feathers, Hair, and Glabrous Skin in the Thermoregulation Strategies of Domestic Animals

“… Compensatory mechanisms that animals with glabrous skin, hair, or feathers develop for hypothermia avoidance. The morphological differences between species influence their behaviors and physiological responses to minimize heat loss [ 26 , 27 , 28 ]. …”

“…In contrast, responses to avoid hypothermia are activated when animals are under cold stress, where the temperatures are below the comfort zone, and the organism requires to increase its energy intake or metabolic production to maintain the body temperature [ 24 ]. The main mechanisms to preserve or produce heat include increased activity, postural changes, shivering, and in some cases, non-shivering thermogenesis, peripheral vasoconstriction, piloerection, among others ( Figure 2 ) [ 13 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ].…”

Determination of Mixed Production Status and Breeder Training Requirements in Buffalo Businesses in Sivas Province

“…Yoğun yetiştirme koşullarında kapalı ve bağlı sistemlerde barındırıldıklarında, otlak ve sulak alanlara erişimleri engellendiğinde veya barınak içi alanları kısıtlandığında, mandaların refahı, sağlığı, sosyal davranışları, termoregülasyon ve homeostazis gibi çeşitli fizyolojik mekanizmaları olumsuz etkilenebilmektedir (4,27,28). Bu nedenle, yetiştiricilerin mandanın özellik ve ihtiyaçlarını tanıyarak işletmelerinde mandalar için sığırlardan farklı barındırma, bakım ve besleme koşulları oluşturmalıdırlar (3,8,29,30). Mandalar, tam olarak kültüre alınmamış hayvanlardır.…”