The Challenge of Global Warming in Water Buffalo Farming: Physiological and Behavioral Aspects and Strategies to Face Heat Stress

Abstract

Water buffaloes have morphological and behavioral characteristics for efficient thermoregulation. However, their health, welfare, and productive performance can be affected by GW. The objective of this review was to analyze the adverse effects of GW on the productive behavior and health of water buffaloes. The physiological, morphological, and behavioral characteristics of the species were discussed to understand the impact of climate change and extreme meteorological events on buffaloes’ thermoregulation. In addition, management strategies in buffalo farms, as well as the use of infrared thermography as a method to recognize heat stress in water buffaloes, were addressed. We concluded that heat stress causes a change in energy mobilization to restore animal homeostasis. Preventing hyperthermia limits the physiological, endocrine, and behavioral changes so that they return to thermoneutrality. The use of fans, sprinklers, foggers, and natural sources of water are appropriate additions to current buffalo facilities, and infrared thermography could be used to monitor the thermal states of water buffaloes.

Effect of the Season on Blood Changes of Oxidative Stress Index in the Italian Mediterranean Buffalo (Bubalis bubalis)

“…We did not observe differences in the 25OHD plasma levels between seasons, and concentrations were below 30 ng/mL of 25OHD, a threshold reported to be optimal for cattle [ 50 ]. The very low levels of circulating 25OHD could be the result of the buffaloes’ skin structure, which has a higher concentration of melanin in the skin in comparison to cows [ 3 ]. Melanin reduces the ultraviolet radiation available for vitamin D synthesis in the skin, and perhaps the low circulating levels of vitamin D are related to the melanin content of the buffalos’ skin [ 51 ].…”

“…Climate change negatively impacts water availability and the quantity and quality of feed, all crucial elements for livestock production. The increase in temperature and precipitation variation also triggers fluctuations in animal disease epidemiology and affects the animal’s growth and milk production [ 3 , 4 ].…”

Utilization of Infrared Thermography in Assessing Thermal Responses of Farm Animals under Heat Stress

“…In the case of sheep, thermoneutrality is achieved within 12-32 • C [30,31]. In buffaloes, it is 13-24 • C [32,33], similar to cattle at 25 • C [34], and for most farm animals, it is considered to be between 4 and 25 • C [35]. A concept derived from the understanding of thermoneutrality zone is upper critical temperature.…”

Application of Infrared Thermography in the Rehabilitation of Patients in Veterinary Medicine

“…IRT is a method that directly evaluates the amount of heat radiation emitted from a physical body and, in mammals, is associated with thermoregulatory mechanisms [ 30 , 31 ]. In veterinary medicine, it has been used to identify superficial lesions due to the local inflammatory process taking place [ 9 , 13 , 32 ].…”