Animal Science, Department of
Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports
Date of this Version
2026
Citation
2026 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, pages 75-77, MP-121, University of Nebraska Extension, 2026
Abstract
Summary with Implications
Heat stress throughout the summer and into the fall is a persistent hurdle for growing and finishing cattle in Nebraska. Minimizing the impact of heat on growth and well-being of cattle is critical to the productivity and profitability of beef production. This project aimed to evaluate the effect of an anti-inflammatory dietary supplement, ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA), on physiological indicators of stress during a 4-day moderate-intensity heat challenge. Heat stress elevated core body temperature and respiration rates as expected but did not impact circulating inflammatory biomarkers. Heart rate variability measurements indicative of adrenergic stress and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood were observed in heat-stressed steers. However, ω-3 PUFA supplementation improved most of these health indicators. These results indicate that ω-3 PUFA supplementation can benefit the well-being of cattle experiencing heat stress. The planned follow-up work will determine the impacts on growth performance.
Comments
Copyright 2026, Board of Regents, University of Nebraska. Used by permission