The Effects of Heat Stress on Dairy Cows

Dear Colleagues,

Extreme heat reduces feed intake due to thermoregulation mechanisms that limit ruminal heat production. The issues of limited water and low-quality feed worsen these challenges. Feeding shifts to nighttime grazing and slower digestion may improve nutrient absorption, but this is often offset by heat stress and water restriction. Heat stress also alters ruminal fermentation, lowering pH even when dry matter intake remains stable. In addition, the effects of heat stress in dairy cows have been reported as a reduction in dry matter intake and milk production, changes in milk composition and the milk fatty acid profile, systemic and mammary gland metabolic and inflammatory responses.

Creating an adequate environment for dairy cows has become increasingly essential, especially during the summer in tropical countries. Given climate change, the effects of heat stress on animals have intensified, making investigations into strategies to mitigate its impact on milk production even more relevant. Its effects can compromise the health of dairy cows at various stages, being more severe during the transition period. During this phase, heat stress exacerbates metabolic disorders such as ketosis and milk fever and increases the incidence of retained placenta, abomasal displacement, mastitis, and hoof disorders. Consequently, there is a negative impact on milk production and, most importantly, the quality of the milk produced by these animals.

We seek articles on heat stress in animals, particularly linked to water deprivation or infrequent intake in arid regions. This Special Issue will publish original articles that have not been previously published in other journals and that can significantly contribute to the advancement of science in the field of heat stress in dairy cattle. The primary focus will be on the impacts of heat stress on animal health, reproduction, and, most importantly, milk production and quality.

Prof. Dr. Geraldo Tadeu Dos Santos
Dr. Camila Soares Cunha
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Dairy is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• dairy cows
• heat stress
• milk production
• health
• incidence of retained placenta
• mastitis
• metabolic disorders
• quality of the milk produced
• physiological thermal stress
• reproductive performance
• temperature and humidity index
• transition period
• immunity