May 2 2022 08:00 AM

Sponsored content created and provided by Rodrigo Garcia, DVM, PhD. TechMix International Ruminant Nutrition Manager

Heat stress is complex and multifaceted. Beyond reductions in milk yield, growth, impaired reproduction, and increased culling, heat stress causes physiological and endocrinological changes within the animal.

Systemic effects of heat stress

• Panting leads to a state of respiratory alkalosis (high blood pH), which is neutralized by expelling bicarbonate in urine.

• The decrease in rumination results in lower production of saliva (a natural rumen buffer).

• Drooling and an altered feeding behavior (slug feeding) leads to subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), which changes the microbial population and increases endotoxin production.

Dry matter intake is reduced in times of heat stress, which lessens heat load from rumen fermentation. But the reduction in dry matter intake only accounts for half of the production losses that dairy farms often experience.

Heat stress and the gut

During hot environmental conditions, blood flow to the skin is increased to dissipate heat, resulting in intestinal hypoxia (decreased oxygen), nutrient restriction, and oxidative stress. This compromises gut integrity and triggers an inflammatory response. The small intestine is one of the first tissues to be affected by heat stress. As a result of the intestinal barrier dysfunction, toxins and bacteria leak into the blood, generating systemic inflammation, immune system activation, and high insulin levels in blood. When immune cells become activated, they rely on glucose as their primary fuel source. Researchers have estimated that an immune activated system in a dairy cow consumes close to 2 kilograms (over 4 pounds) of sugar in the form of glucose per day. The immune system is then prioritized over the synthesis of milk or muscular tissue.

Heat stress reduces milk quality

Besides reducing milk production, heat stress can also reduce the quality of milk. The reduction in VFA (volatile fatty acids) production and absorption, together with a potential subacute ruminal acidosis and the inhibition of fat mobilization, play a key role in the reduction of milk fat content during times of heat stress.

The reduced protein concentration during heat stress could be attributed to a systemic increase in amino acid utilization and a specific down thermoregulation activity of mammary protein synthesis.

Heat stress and reproduction

In a similar way as the digestive system is affected, the reproductive tract also experiences a reduced blood flow in heat-stressed cows, leading to a reduction in nutrient and hormone availability that reduces fetus viability.

At the same time, estrus intensity lessens during heat stress, making estrus detection more difficult. Secondly, fertility is reduced due to a slower oocyte maturation; and finally, the survival of early embryos is compromised.

Nutritional strategies to minimize heat stress

Heat abatement strategies and dietary solutions have synergistic effects to alleviate heat load in cows. Any nutritional and management strategies to counteract heat stress should be focused on maintaining feed intake and gut integrity and improving energy metabolism and glucose supply. Supplements that help maintain gut health and stimulate feed and water intake have been demonstrated to be of significant help. Electrolytes are one such element that work to enhance sweating because of acid-base chemistry. Furthermore, electrolyte supplementation during heat stress may be critical to many homeostatic mechanisms at the cellular level. Innovative supplement solutions that keep cows drinking, eating, and producing during periods of stressful environmental conditions are critical to cow welfare and performance.

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