A Study on the Effects of Heat Stress on Feedlot Environment and Productivity of Dairy Cattle

Environmental heat stress by global warming has a severe effect on the productivity of livestock and, in particular, on that of dairy cattle. Heat stress during high temperature environment directly and indirectly affects milk yield, milk quality and physiological response. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of heat stress on productivity and physiological responses of livestock. Temperature-humidity data logger were established inside the feedlot for measuring real time changes in the feedlot environment. Milk was collected every day for analysing the productivity of dairy cattle. Blood sample and respiration of dairy cattle were collected once in a week for investigating the physiological response factors. Blood component concentration associated with lipolysis metabolism and milk production showed change during tropical night period. Temperature humidity index (THI) of a specific location inside the feedlot showed continuously high levels.