Heat stress on dairy cows: Review

Abstract

The aim of this work was to carry out a literature review on the effect of heat stress on dairy cows. The present work was carried out through a bibliographic review, that is, a literary review of research carried out by authors on this topic. Heat stress is a very important factor that must be evaluated in dairy production, as it interferes in both the quality and quantity of milk produced, causes changes in the feeding habits of animals, increasing water intake and decreasing dry matter consumption, changes in behavior the animals remain standing longer and in search of shade, losses in milk quality with a decrease in fat and protein. In conclusion, the authors are unanimous in mentioning that interferences are made in the environment in which the animals are inserted, seeking to correct factors such as temperature and humidity to bring gains to the producer, since in each region or property there are different microclimates, making it necessary to monitor each situation to intervene at strategic points, with the objective that the animals can express their maximum productive potential, guaranteeing health and quality in their production.