The detrimental impact of high environmental temperature on physiological response, growth, milk production, and reproductive efficiency of ruminants

Abstract

The optimal environments for ruminants are air temperatures between 13 and 20 °C, winds between 5 and 18 km/h, humidity levels between 55 and 65%, and a moderate amount of sunlight. In tropical and subtropical regions, climate is the top factor restricting animal growth and reproductive efficiency. The digestive system, blood biochemical components, and hormones all go through a range of physiological changes at high temperatures. Ruminant animals respond to heat stress by drinking more water, breathing more quickly, panting, and raising their rectal temperatures while reducing their activity levels, intake of roughage, and rumination. Blood metabolites and biochemical modifications are negatively impacted by the concentration of blood biochemical components and hormonal levels, particularly those of anabolic hormones, which are decreased as a result of the animals’ exposure to high environmental temperatures. Changes in blood metabolite and hormone levels were influenced by the duration of exposure to high temperatures, the level of background heat, and the species, breed, and age of the animals. The major biological changes caused by heat stress have a negative impact on growth, milk production, and reproduction. Animals subjected to high environmental temperatures also undergo reductions in feed intake and feed efficiency. These changes eventually impair ruminant reproduction and production abilities.