The Impact of Heat Load on Cattle

Authors

Angela M. Lees, University of QueenslandFollow
Veerasamy Sejian, ICARFollow
Andrea L. Wallage, University of QueenslandFollow
Cameron C. Steel, University of New EnglandFollow
Terry L. Mader, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jarrod C. Lees, University of New EnglandFollow
John B. Gaughan, University of QueenslandFollow

ORCID IDs

0000-0003-4898-2843

0000-0002-8224-4521

Date of this Version

2019

Citation

Animals 2019, 9, 322

Comments

© 2019 by the authors.

Open access

doi:10.3390/ani9060322

Abstract

Heat stress and cold stress have a negative influence on cattle welfare and productivity. There have been some studies investigating the influence of cold stress on cattle, however the emphasis within this review is the influence of heat stress on cattle. The impact of hot weather on cattle is of increasing importance due to the changing global environment. Heat stress is a worldwide phenomenon that is associated with reduced animal productivity and welfare, particularly during the summer months. Animal responses to their thermal environment are extremely varied, however, it is clear that the thermal environment influences the health, productivity, and welfare of cattle. Whilst knowledge continues to be developed, managing livestock to reduce the negative impact of hot climatic conditions remains somewhat challenging. This review provides an overview of the impact of heat stress on production and reproduction in bovines.