Dynamic Response Indicators of Heat Stress in Shaded and Non-shaded Feedlot Cattle, Part 1: Analyses of Indicators

Authors

T. M. Brown-Brandl, USDA-ARS US Meat Animal Research CenterFollow
R. A. Eigenberg, USDA-ARS US Meat Animal Research CenterFollow
J. A. Nienaber, USDA-ARS US Meat Animal Research CenterFollow
G. Leroy Hahn, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

3-19-2005

Comments

Published in Biosystems Engineering (2005) 90 (4), 451–462.

Abstract

Heat stress in feedlot cattle can cause decreases in feed intake and growth, and in extreme cases may result in death. Providing shade during hot weather has shown inconsistent results, reducing direct and indirect losses in some areas of the United States, but not in others. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the dynamic responses of feedlot cattle to environmental conditions with and without access to shade, and to determine the most appropriate physiological measurement for monitoring feedlot cattle during hot weather as a guide for improved management. Eight crossbred steers (initially weighing 294.7±10.8 kg) were randomly assigned to one of eight individual pens, where one of two treatments were applied: shade access, or no-shade access. Respiration rate, daily feed intake, and core body temperature were collected, using automated systems during eight periods, for a total of 37 days. The data were analyzed using four categories of daily maximum temperature humidity index (maximum I_TH) values (Normal for maximum I_TH I_TH I_TH < 84; Emergency for maximum I_TH ≥ 84). Shade was found to impact the physiological responses in all I_TH categories, with the largest impacts in the Danger and Emergency categories. Shade lowered respiration rate and core body temperature during the peak temperature hours of the day. It was concluded that respiration rate is the most appropriate indicator of thermal stress to monitor because it was consistently affected in all I_THcategories, it is easy to monitor without the need for costly equipment, and there is little or no lag associated with it.