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![]() One of the most discussed behavioral responses to heat load is reduced feed intake. Indeed, there is evidence that cattle will engage in aggressive behavior to gain access to shade, especially when the heat load increases. Furthermore, shade use increase with increasing air temperature and solar radiation (Kendall et al., 2006). For example, we have found that dairy cows choose to stand in shade instead of lying in warm conditions (air temperature > 86☏) even when they were deprived of lying for the previous 12 h (Schütz et al., 2008). Not surprisingly, there is evidence that dairy cattle are motivated to use shade in warm weather. Shade SeekingĬows readily use shade when given access to it and the provision of shade can alleviate negative effects of increased heat load. A THI of 72 is an ambient temperature of 77☏ and 50 per cent humidity. Throughout this paper, researchers from the Animal Science Department at the University of California and the Animal Behaviour and Welfare Group in New Zealand discuss three measures of environmental conditions: ambient temperature (in F), solar radiation (W/m2) and Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), which combines the effects of temperature and humidity. We will review the behavioural responses to heat stress and examine results from new studies looking at two common methods for cooling dairy cattle: shade and sprinklers. Animal behaviour can provide insights into how and when to cool dairy cows. In addition, heat stress is an animal welfare issue. It is estimated that hot weather costs dairy farmers $900 million/year in reduced milk production and reduced fertility. Heat stress is an economic cost for US producers.
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