Temperature-humidity Index Values Research Articles

Proposing a strategy based on body-thermal status to improve the welfare of heat-stressed and water-deprived goats (Capra hircus).

Despite the considerable body of research on the effects of heat stress coupled with water scarcity (either through restriction or deprivation) on goats, aimed at enhancing their welfare, there remains a notable gap in the literature regarding the subsequent period following water restoration, during which the cumulative impact is fully alleviated. In response to this gap, we propose a strategy grounded in the assessment of body-thermal status to improve the welfare of heat-stressed and water-deprived goats. Specifically, our strategy seeks to determine the minimally required recovery interval necessary to completely mitigate the residual effects of water deprivation endured for a duration of 72 hours. Eight healthy Aardi bucks, aged 10 months and weighing 30 kg, were subjected to three distinct stages: euhydration, dehydration, and rehydration. Each stage spanned for 72 hours except for the rehydration stage, which was left unrestricted. Various meteorological, biophysiological, and thermophysiological measurements were subsequently recorded. Exposure of heat-stressed goats, as indicated by the temperature-humidity index values, to a 72 hours deprivation period resulted in noticeable (p<0.05) alterations in their biophysiological (daily feed intake, body weight, and feces water content) and thermophysiological responses (core, rectal, skin, and surface temperatures, respiratory and heart rates, internal, external, and total body-thermal gradients, heat tolerance and adaptability coefficients, heterothermial total body-heat storage, and total water conservation). Remarkably, our findings demonstrate that all assessed variables, whether measured or estimated, returned to their baseline euhydration levels within 10 days of commencing the rehydration phase. In order to improve the welfare of heat-stressed and 72 hours water-deprived goats, it is imperative to allow a recovery period of no less than 10 days following the restoration of water access prior to initiating any subsequent experiments involving these animals. Such experiments, addressing these critical aspects, serve to advance our understanding of goat welfare and obviously hold promise for contributing to future food security and economic viability.

Analysis of the climatic trends and heat stress periods for ruminants rearing in Bangladesh

The production of ruminant livestock is greatly impacted by climate change, as it is anticipated to jeopardise food security due to the increasing heat stress experienced by the animals, which can be measured using the Temperature Humidity Index (THI). The objective of our study was to analyze climatic patterns, identify influential variables and evaluate heat stress episodes through the utilization of the THI to establish a rearing system for ruminants in Bangladesh. The THI value was determined by analyzing meteorological station data spanning from 1995 to 2022 across various climatic zones in Bangladesh. The Mann-Kendall evaluation was used to analyze the THI patterns throughout the study.. Our findings indicated that heat stress problems are expected to occur in Bangladesh when THI for ruminant rearing exceeds 74, particularly from February to December. The severity of heat stress in THIruminant 71-90 varied significantly, ranging from normal to extremely severe. We observed that June (90) was the hottest month in the west central region, while January (71) was the coldest in the northwest area. When examining the impact of climatic factors on the THI, we found that air temperature has the highest influence, while relative humidity had the second-highest influence on THI in all areas of Bangladesh. Sunlight length and wind speed influenced the yearly THI marginally but not seasonally. Our findings highlighted a seasonal threat associated with heat stress in the climatic conditions of Bangladesh. It is essential to identify heat stress in ruminants, especially considering the continuing global warming issue. Our results recommend the implementation of heat stress mitigation strategies for ruminant farmers in Bangladesh.

Performance, blood and antioxidant status in dual-purpose laying hens supplemented with aqueous extract of Christ's thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi L.) leaves as phytogenic agent in subtropical conditions.

The potential of aqueous extract of Christ's thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) leaves (SLAE) to reduce the negative impacts of heat stress on production performance and physiological traits was investigated in dual-purpose layers under subtropical farming. A total of 200, 25-week-old laying hens (Inshas strain) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments including SLAE at 0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mL/kg, respectively. The average temperature-humidity index value was 26.69 during the experimental period. The SLAE contained saponin (0.045%), total flavonoid content of 17.9 mg of quercetin equivalent/ 100 g and overall antioxidant capacity concentration of 17.9 mg of ascorbic acid equivalent/100 g. The maximum final body weight (BW), BW gain, egg weight, number, and mass occurred at the level of SLAE7.5 inclusion. The egg quality was significantly higher in SLAE groups than in control, and overall, SLAE7.5 had the most favorable influence at 28 and 32 weeks. Liver and kidney function, as well as lipids profile, improved significantly by SLAE inclusion; the lowest concentrations of these parameters were in SLAE7.5 hens. Treatment with SLAE7.5 increased total antioxidant capacity and endogenous antioxidant enzymes compared to control, whereas no effect on superoxide dismutase was noticed. The addition of SLAE at 7.5 mL/kg diet improved egg laying performance and quality, metabolic profiles, and antioxidant status during hyperthermia conditions.

Retreat site occupation and short-term movements in an oasis-dwelling frog in relation to temperature-humidity conditions

The roles of temperature and humidity in shaping diurnal retreat site occupation and short-term movements in amphibians in desert environments have scarcely been studied. In this work, we investigated retreats and movements in the painted frog (Discoglossus pictus auritus) that inhabits oases in arid southern Tunisia, by using a composite temperature-humidity index (THI). Our results show non-random occupation of retreat sites with respect to prevailing temperature-humidity conditions. When leaving retreat sites with THI values above or below their preferred levels, painted frogs tended to move to sites with THI levels more similar to their preferred conditions. We also found that large individuals tended to occupy retreat sites offering similar THI levels, while small individuals moved between sites with very different THI levels, a pattern that could be driven by age-dependent experience. However, there was no significant relationship between the distance moved by painted frogs and the magnitude of the change in the THI between occupied sites. In summary, our findings evidence the role of temperature-humidity conditions in shaping the patterns of diurnal retreat site use in an arid zone amphibian. They also underline the usefulness of composite temperature-humidity indices when assessing amphibian-habitat relationships.

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

Studies in cattle have shown that high temperatures increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing an imbalance between ROS and the ability of antioxidant systems to detoxify and remove the reactive intermediates. As such studies remain limited in buffalo, the effect of temperature on oxidative stress was investigated through the oxidative stress index (OSi). Blood samples were collected from 40 buffaloes over 12 time points distributed over two years (2021, 2022). Samples were taken monthly during the hot and cold seasons. Plasma free oxygen radicals were determined using the d-ROMs test (Diacron, Italy), modified for a microplate procedure, and the results were expressed in arbitrary Carratelli Units (U.CARR). Plasma antioxidants were determined by using the BAP test (Diacron) in a dedicated spectrophotometer (Carpe Diem Free, Diacron). The OSi parameter was calculated as d-ROMs/BAP × 100. Temperature and humidity were recorded daily during the trial to calculate the Temperature Humidity Index (THI). For statistical analysis, year and season and their interactions were included in the model. The results of this study showed for the first time the effect of season on the oxidative stress in buffalo. The minimum and maximum THI values for the hot and cold season recorded during the experimental period were 79.27 ± 2.20 and 63.42 ± 3.20, respectively. Levels of d-ROMs and BAP were affected by the seasons (133.0 vs. 145.1 U.CARR, p = 0.0189, and 2489.19 vs. 2392.43 mml/L, p = 0.033, in the hot and cold season, respectively). A significant year × season interaction was found both for d-ROMs and BAP (p = 0.06 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Moreover, OSi was affected by season, showing a growing trend from hot to cold season (5.35 vs. 6.17, p < 0.0001), but, interestingly, it was unaffected by annual variation. Therefore, Osi could be considered a better and independent marker of oxidative status in buffalo, with respect to the evaluation of single determinations of d-ROMs and BAP. Lastly, there were no differences in the plasma 25OHD levels between seasons; concentrations were 12.24 and 10.26 ng/mL in the hot and cold season, respectively.

Cow behaviour and milk yield during different categories temperature-humidity indices

The goal of this investigation was to study the influence of different values of Temperature-Humidity index (THI) on the duration of lying down and feed consumption, productivity, and heat production by dairy cows in two variants of feedlots (with and without shelters). The study was conducted from February 2007 to early August 2021 in the central part of Ukraine (Kyiv region) in different periods of THI. This index was divided into three categories: 1) 66–71: normal (14 days); 2) 72–79: alert (11 days); 3) &gt;80: dangerous (9 days). Two variants of feedlots were selected: Open feedlot with shelters and open feedlot without shelters. The largest increase in values of THI affecting the cows was observed in open feedlots without shelters. There, in alert and danger periods duration of feed consumption decreased by 8.0 and 23.1 min, lying down by 17 and 38 min, productivity by 2.3 kg (or 8.77%) and 3.6 kg (or 13.74%), energy consumption by 4.7 and 9.6 MJ, respectively, in comparison to normal period.

Effect of extended heat stress in dairy cows on productive and behavioral traits

This study evaluates the response of dairy cows to short and extended heat stressing conditions (from 1 to 28 days), as expressed in changes in their behavior. Due to climate change, heat stress and strong heat waves are frequently affecting the productivity and behavior of dairy cows. In the five years under study from 2018 to 2022, two were characterized by extremely strong heat waves occurring in the region analyzed in this study (Northern Italy). The dairy cattle farm involved in this study is located in Northern Italy and includes about 1 600 Holstein Friesian lactating dairy cows. Phenotypic data were provided by the Afimilk system and compromised behavioral and productive traits. Behavioral traits analyzed were activity, rest time, rest bouts, rest ratio, rest per bout and restlessness. Production traits were daily milk yield, average milking time, somatic cell count, fat percentage, protein percentage and lactose percentage. Climate data came from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources database. Heat stress was analyzed considering Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) averaged over 28 different time windows of continuous heat stress. Results showed that rest time and milk yield were the two traits most affected by the increased THI. Rest time was immediately affected by high THI, showing a marked decrease already from 1d window and maintaining this all over the other windows. Furthermore, results show that rest time and rest ratio were only slightly negatively correlated with milk yield (−0.14 and −0.15). In addition, heat stress has a different effect depending on parity and lactation stages on the studied traits. In conclusion, the results indicate that heat stress increases activity and compromises milk production, rest time and milk quality traits. Results further suggest that rest time can be a better parameter than activity to describe the effects of heat stress on dairy cattle. The novel approach used in this study is based on the use of different time windows (up to 28 days) before the emergence of undesired THI and allows to identify the traits that are immediately influenced by the undesirable THI values and those that are influenced only after a prolonged heat stress period.

Effect of heatwaves on the pregnancy rate of dual-purpose recipient cows transferred with produced in-vitro embryos in tropical locations

Dual-purpose cows (n=648) from different genetic group (European, Zebu and crossbreeds cattle) were transferred with embryos produced in-vitro, in fresh or thawed, with the purpose of analyzing the effects of heatwaves on the pregnancy rate (PR) before, during, and after the transfer. The weather data used (temperature and humidity) were obtained on-site in production units to determine the temperature-humidity index (THI), and it was established that THI values of ≥74 before (-4, -3 and -2 days), during (-1, 0 and +1), and after (+2, +3 and +4) the transfer constitute a heatwave, with day “0” being the transfer day. The 2K contingency table was used, with a xi2 distribution and logistic regression (Statistica, v10), to find the PR in the recipient cows. The intrinsic variables considered were the corpus luteum size (CL1, CL2 and CL3), body condition, parity, and genetic group; while the extrinsic variables were the geographical area, embrionary development stage, embryo preservation method and quality. The presence of a heatwave before, during and after the transfer lowered the PR by 13% (p&lt; 0.05), with it being 43% in conditions of thermal comfort, and 30% during a heatwave, the odd ratio was 0.6404 - 0.4652. The PR was lower in the presence of a heatwave across the three genetic groups (30.09, 33.33 and 35.20% by Zebu, European, and crossbreeds cattle, respectively), as well as in cows with smaller CL (CL3, 29.38%). Body condition, parity and embrionary development stage were not associated with the heatwave (p&gt;0.05). Thawed embryos are more susceptible to heatwaves, their PR being lower (16.81%). It was concluded that the heatwave lowered the PR of the recipient cows by 13%.

Thermal Comfort of The Palabuhanratu Tourism Area

The development of tourist areas is highly dependent on their facilities and attractions. The comfort level greatly affects nature-based tourism, which is based on outdoor activities. Palabuhanratu is popular with tourists because of its natural attractions, such as its beaches, water sports, and the new Ciletuh Geopark. The temperature and humidity of the air at the surface influence how comfortable travelers are in the area. These parameters are to be sensed directly by tourists participating in outdoor activities. The Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), based on the two climate parameters mentioned above, is used to show the comfort level. Spatiotemporal analysis based on GIS is used in this study, utilizing the ERA5 Reanalysis data for 1991–2020. The goal of this study is to find out how climate impacts comfort levels so that people can know when the best time is to visit. The THI values are highest in May, which means that this is the worst time of year to go to the area for outdoor activities. An examination of the diurnal pattern of THI is also carried out to demonstrate the sub-daily scale variation for further consideration.

Assessment of the temperature and humidity index (THI) to facilitate the establishment of a ruminant rearing system in Bangladesh

The objective of this study was to assess the temperature-humidity index (THI) values in the selected regions of Bangladesh for the suitability of ruminant rearing. Data on monthly temperatures and relative humidity were collected from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) for a 27-year time period (1995–2022). The study region’s data indicated that the hottest area was west central region and hottest month was June. In comparison, the coolest area was northwest region and coolest month was January. The northwest region had no heat stress from November to February, mild heat stress from March to May and October, as well as moderate heat stress from June to September. In the northeast region, mild heat stress occurred from March to May, October, and November, and moderate heat stress from June to September. December to February were comfortable, March, October, and November were mild heat stress, and April through September were moderate heat stress in the west central region. In the east central region, mild heat stress occurred in March to April, October, and November, and severe heat stress in May to September. In contrast to the west central region, which showed moderate heat stress during the rainy season, most other seasons showed mild heat stress. Thus, heat stress periods might vary depending on regional meteorological scenarios. Animals faced heat stress (THI &gt; 72) or a warning signal due to a progressive increase in temperature and humidity indices over months and years of investigation. When THI levels are high, especially in July and August, livestock farmers must emphasize various herd management techniques to limit the risk of milk production and quality concerns, disease prevalence, and reproductive performance. The findings of the present investigation suggest heat stress mitigation measures for Bangladeshi ruminant farmers. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. 27 (2): 161-174

STUDY OF THE ROLE OF GREEN OPEN SPACE IN DKI JAKARTA AS AN AMENITY INFRASTRUCTURE

Green open spaces are often incompatible with the functions they should have. In the last few years, DKI Jakarta has continued RTH construction, but the implementation has been neglected, resulting in non-compliance with RTH requirements. Green open spaces in Kota Hijau are frequently located in the outskirts of DKI Jakarta, yet, in reality, the area allocated to green open space has not met the mandated 30% minimum requirement. The creation of well-designed green open spaces is crucial to providing essential amenities for the community. This study aims to analyze thermal comfort levels, community activities, and security in three parks in DKI Jakarta. The average Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) value of 24.5 suggests favorable conditions below the threshold of 27. Although the current state is considered satisfactory, continuous monitoring and efforts are recommended to maintain optimal THI conditions. Additionally, an evaluation of visitor comfort in the Green Open Spaces (RTH) of DKI Jakarta, based on a questionnaire, revealed a reasonably comfortable score of 3.6 out of 5. Consequently, there is a need to improve facility quality to enhance visitor comfort. The security questionnaire results from three parks in DKI Jakarta indicate a sufficiently safe environment, with an overall score of 3.6 out of 5. However, it is advisable to augment security facilities and personnel to further enhance the sense of safety for park visitors. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of optimizing and expanding green open spaces in DKI Jakarta, not only for thermal comfort but also for the overall well-being, security, and recreational needs of its urban residents.

Vaginal temperature of lactating cows during heat waves or normal summer day and effect of additional daily cooling treatments as heat load mitigation strategy

The vaginal temperature (VT) of lactating Holstein cows was monitored in not heat wave (NHW) and in heat wave (HW) summer days. Temperature humidity index (THI) was monitored and assigned to four classes of heat load (HL): THI < 68 null; 68 < THI < 74 low; 74 < THI < 80 moderate; and THI > 80 high.Five daily treatments consisting of continuous forced ventilation and sprayed water (1′ on follow by 5′ off) were assumed as control cooling protocol (CC) and compared with two experimental cooling protocols (EC) applied in the feed bunk and based on the CC plus two additional cooling treatments which lasted a total of 90′ (EC90) or 150′ (EC150) in the day.Sixty lactating cows were enrolled in two summer trials carried out in NHW or HW. In each trial, 10 cows were cooled by CC, 10 by EC90 and 10 by EC150. Twenty additional cows were monitored in a fall trail to have reference value of THI and VT under thermoneutral conditions (TN). Each trial lasted 72 h, and measurements of VT were carried out by intra-vaginal data loggers.The 33% of observed THI was within the high class of HL during HW, whereas THI never exceeded the upper threshold of moderate or low class of HL in NHW and TN, respectively.Multiparous and high yielding cows were more sensitive to HL, and the increased daily cooling treatments reduced heat load during hot conditions. However, during heat waves a certain degree of hyperthermia occurred even with intensive cooling management based on seven daily treatments.

Comparative assessment of heat and cold stress-induced changes in clinical parameters in Boer goats

This study was carried out on heat- and cold-adapted boar goats kept in their natural habitat to examine the physiological parameters and their seasonal fluctuations in relation to the adaptation to heat stress in boar goats. The study was conducted in two distinct stages that corresponded with the winter and summer seasons. Under the experiment, twelve experimental boar goats of both sexes were chosen at randomly. The goats were 1.5 to 2 years old and weighed between 16 to 22 kg. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated by recording the daily temperature of the surrounding air and relative humidity using a digital hygrometer and thermometer that were placed in the animal shed. In this study, Heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), and rectal temperature (RT) were combined to determine physiological markers for thermal stress susceptibility. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated by observing the daily ambient temperature and relative humidity. The THI value of summer and winter season were 31.67 and 15.34, respectively. The findings of this study revealed that the levels of physiological responses, such as rectal temperature, respiration rate, and heart rate, were significantly (p 0.05) differed throughout seasons (summer and winter) and recording periods. It has been discovered that THI, a sensitive indicator of both heat and cold stress, is more affected by ambient temperature in boar goats than relative humidity. Therefore, in Boar goats, heat and cold stress is related to certain physiological effects.

311 Evaluation of Post-Transit Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Feedlot Heifers Sourced and Finished in Different Regions of the U.S

Abstract The objective was to evaluate growth performance and carcass traits following transit of feedlot heifers sourced and finished in different geographical regions in the U.S. Yearling heifers [n = 190; initial body weight (BW) 483 and 425 kg for SD and TX sourced, respectively] were used in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of origin state (SD vs TX) and finishing state (SD vs TX). Heifers were allotted on d -1 into four treatments: sourced from SD and finished in SD (SD-SD), sourced from SD and finished in TX (SD-TX), sourced from TX and finished in SD (TX-SD), and sourced from TX and finished in TX (TX-TX). Heifers were weighed on d -1, 3, 15, 28, 56, 78 (TX-TX and SD-TX) and 90 (SD-SD and TX-SD). On d 0, SD-TX and TX-SD heifers were shipped to the finishing location and weighed the following morning (d 1) to determine transportation shrink. To monitor transportation effects, vaginal temperature probes were inserted into all SD-TX and TX-SD heifers and a portion of SD-SD and TX-TX heifers on d -1 and removed on d 3. Clinical attitude scores (CAS) were recorded on d -1, 0, 1, 2 and 3 for indications of bovine respiratory disease symptoms. The GLIMMIX procedure of SAS was used to analyze growth performance and carcass measures with fixed effects of origin and finishing state. The MIXED procedure was used for CAS and temperature data with the same fixed effects and time as a repeated measure. Transported heifers had reduced temperatures (P &amp;lt; 0.05) during transit and post-transit compared with non-transported heifers. Temperatures of transported heifers increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) during loading and unloading. On d 0, 1 and 3 there was a shift in the distribution of heifers that had a CAS score greater than 0 for TX-TX, SD-TX and TX-SD. Cattle endured high ambient temperatures (temperature humidity index value &amp;gt; 75) 54% and 18% of the feeding period for TX and SD finished heifers, respectively. All cumulative growth performance measures and carcass trait interactions were statistically significant (P &amp;lt; 0.05) besides initial BW, percent shrink of transported heifers, average daily gain, dressing percent, ribeye area and liver abscess severity, which were similar (P &amp;gt; 0.30). There was a shift in the distribution (P &amp;lt; 0.05) towards a greater proportion of Yield Grade 1 and Select carcasses for heifers fed in TX compared with those fed in SD, likely due to fewer days on feed. Overall, heifers transported to higher ambient temperatures had reduced dry matter intake, quality grades (QG) and limited growth recovery (45 kg lighter) compared with non-transported heifers. Heifers transported to lower ambient temperatures recovered growth and had improved QG at the same level of rib fat compared with non-transported heifers.

49 Leveraging Big Data Analytics to Improve Disease Surveillance and Welfare in Pig Production

Abstract Large amounts of data are routinely collected in pig production, including operational farm data and, more recently, data from digital tools such as remote and on-site sensing technologies. Furthermore, additional sources of information, such as demographic, economic, and weather variables, can be combined with farm data. Integrating and analyzing such data can generate valuable insights and data-driven decision-making tools for disease surveillance, animal welfare, and production system optimization. This presentation discusses two examples of big data integration and analysis in the context of optimizing management practices in pig production. The first example pertains to a data analytics project related to total transportation losses (TTL) of market-weight pigs, an important animal welfare concern that economically impacts producers and abattoirs. After merging and checking data for errors, the final dataset included 4.5M+ pigs from 420 farms loaded in 26,819 shipments delivered to two abattoirs. Results from a generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) technique showed that the risk of loss per shipment was constant for temperature-humidity index (THI) values between −10 and 10. Additionally, a strong interaction between wind speed and precipitation was associated with TTL. TTL were strongly associated with the type of driver and the distance traveled, in addition to weather variables. The second example pertains to swine disease surveillance, in which data from a multi-site system, where pigs are transported between farms after each particular production phase, were investigated. Reports of 76,566 shipments across sites were obtained and used to characterize pig movement flow, conduct percolation analysis to investigate network robustness to interventions for diseases with different transmissibility, and assess the potential impact of each farm type on disease dissemination across the system. Topological properties of networks were investigated, such as the number of nodes and edges, degree assortativity, density, average path length, diameter, clustering coefficients, giant strongly connected component, giant weakly connected component, giant in component, and giant out component. Overall, the results indicated that gilt development units, nursery, and sow farms have a more central role in the pig production hierarchical structure. As such, they are potential major factors in the introduction and spread of diseases in the system. Wean-to-finishing and finishing sites displayed high in-degree values, indicating that they are more susceptible to infection. Additionally, the characteristics of a disease should have strong implications for biosecurity practices across production sites.

The effect of heat stress on performance, fertility, and adipokines involved in regulating systemic immune response during lipolysis of early lactating dairy cows

The aim of this study was to assess the potential effect of heat stress on dairy cow productivity, fertility, and biochemical blood indices during the early lactation stage in a temperate climate. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the role of leptin and adiponectin in regulating the immune response accompanying lipolysis after calving in dairy cows. The study included 100 clinically healthy Polish Holstein-Friesian dairy cows selected based on parity and 305 d of milk yield from 5 commercial farms with similar herd management and housing systems. Prospective cohort data were recorded from calving day until 150 d in milk, and microclimate loggers installed inside the barns were used to record temperature and relative humidity data to calculate daily temperature-humidity index (THI) on the calving day, through +7, +14, and +21 d during early lactation. Additionally, monthly productive performance parameters such as milk yield, chemical composition, fatty acids composition, and fertility indices were analyzed. Results showed that the THI from calving day through +7, +14, and +21 d during early lactation was negatively associated with fertility parameters such as delayed first estrus postpartum and an elongated calving interval, respectively, by 29, 27, 25, and 16 d. Furthermore, an increase in THI value during early lactation was associated with an elongated artificially inseminated service period, days open, and intercalving period. Increasing THI from calving day (0 d) through +7, +14, and up to +21 d during early lactation was also linked to decreased milk yield by 3.20, 4.10, 5.60, and 5.60 kg, respectively. The study also found that heat stress during early lactation was associated with a lower body condition score in dairy cows and higher concentrations of leptin, nonesterified fatty acids, and β-hydroxybutyrate, accompanied by a drastic reduction in adipose tissue-secreted adiponectin levels after calving. Additionally, heat stress-induced lipolysis in adipose tissue caused an inflammatory response that increased biochemical blood indices associated with immune responses such as cytokines, acute phase proteins, and heat shock protein. These findings suggest that exposing dairy cows to heat stress during early lactation can negatively affect their productive performance, fertility, and biochemical blood indices in subsequent lactations. Thus, farm management changes should be implemented during early lactation to mitigate the negative consequences of heat stress occurrence.

Genomic-enhanced breeding values for heat stress tolerance in Girolando cattle in Brazil

Heat stress is a major challenge for dairy herds and can lead to significant production reduction, mainly in tropical climate. Differences in decreased milk production in animals is associated with genetic variation. The overall goal was to investigate the effect of heat stress in milk yield of Girolando cattle in tropical climate and to identify the most appropriate statistical approach for evaluation and selection for heat tolerance in different breed compositions of Girolando. Therefore, to quantify heat stress effects on milk yield loss in Girolando cattle, random regression models were applied on test-day milk yield records (TDMY) and weather data. In addition, different statistical models were evaluated for estimating variance components and predicting breeding values for heat stress (HS). The data comprised 648,072 TDMY of 69,431 first-lactation Girolando cows of different breed compositions, and 21,147 genotyped animals, with daily temperature and humidity measurements from weather stations closest to the tested herds, between 2000 and 2020. We used daily mean values of temperature-humidity index (THI) for the day of test and the 3 previous days as the measure of HS. Heat stress thresholds estimated for the different breed compositions of Girolando in this study were THI 80 for 1/4H, 1/2H and 5/8H; THI 78 for 3/4H animals and THI 77 for 7/8H animals. Average milk production can decrease by up to 34% due to heat stress. Estimated average heritability for TDMY regressed to the THI was 0.21, while the heritability estimated for TDMY regressed to the DIM was 0.29. A correlation of 0.55 was observed between the GEBVs of HS tolerance and GEBV milk yield. The parameters estimated in this study indicate that genomic selection for heat tolerance in dairy cattle is a step towards ensuring valuable tropical production efficiency and improving animal welfare in the face of predicted increases in heat stress events and increase tropical production efficiency.

Exploring the Link Between Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and Body Trait Measurements in Prepubertal Goat Kids in a Humid Subtropical Climate

Background: Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is produced throughout life and contributes to the growth of nearly all the organs in the body. Current study investigated the relationship between IGF-1 concentrations with body trait measurements in prepubertal period of male and female Assam Hill Goat kids. Methods: Twenty-four (24) goat kids (12 male + 12 female) were used for the experiment for a period of 7 months (March-September, 2022). Climatic data points were obtained from the State Meteorological Department, Meghalaya and the temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated. The experimental months was grouped into fourteen (14) periods (Period 1-14) based on the severity of heat stress as indicated by the THI values. Blood samples were collected at every 15 days interval for determination of serum IGF-1 levels and on the same day of collection the phenotypic growth trait measurements were recorded. Result: Results showed that the IGF-1 concentration in the experimental kids significantly (P less than 0.05) increased until Period 6; then a steady non-significant (P greater than 0.05) decline till Period 14. Correlations between IGF-1 concentrations and the phenotypic body trait measurements were significant (P less than 0.05). In conclusion, serum IGF-1 level increases with increase in THI which may be attributed to its thermos-protective effect against environmental stressors.

Modeling the relationship between heat stress, feed intake, and day relative to calving in nonlactating dairy cows

Heat stress (HS) during the dry period can affect animal welfare, health, dry matter intake (DMI), and milk production in the subsequent lactation, which will negatively affect the profitability of dairy farms. In this study, the objective was to model the changes in DMI in pregnant nonlactating heat-stressed dairy cows with or without access to evaporative cooling systems. A database composed of individual DMI records from 244 pregnant nonlactating heat-stressed dairy cows from 7 experiments averaging from -35 (-42 to -21 d) to -1 d relative to calving (DRC) and housed in environmental conditions in which temperature-humidity index (THI) ranged from 58.4 to 83.3, with or without access to evaporative cooling systems was built. Generalized additive mixed-effects models were used to describe the relationships of DMI with HS and DRC. Changes in DMI with the increase in THI and the progression of pregnancy in cows with or without evaporative cooling systems were estimated using differential equations. On average, cows housed in barns without evaporative cooling systems had a reduction in DMI of 1.30 kg/d and increased rectal temperature in 0.22°C in relation to those housed in barns with evaporative cooling systems. Dry matter intake decreased as THI increased, but the reduction was greater for non-cooled cows as THI values increased. In addition, regardless of the THI, DMI started to decrease at DRC = -14 for cooled cows, while for non-cooled cows it already started at DRC = -30 relative to the previous days evaluated. The intensity of the reduction was lesser for cows that had access to evaporative cooling systems and/or were in the dry period in May-June as compared with those that were in the dry period in July-August or September-October. The models generated in this study, which include environmental variables, should lead to more accurate predictions of DMI during heat stress that can be used to formulate diets to meet the needs of the late pregnant cow because it is possible to predict changes in DMI as the heat load and DRC change. Such models are also expected to help dairy nutritionists to decide when and how to apply the dietary strategies available to attenuate the reductions in DMI with the intensity of heat stress and progression of pregnancy.

Thermal Comfort Analysis Study At The Faculty Of Sports Science, Cenderawasih University, Jayapura-Papua

The area of the Faculty of Sports Science, University of Cenderawasih is the embodiment of Campus Open Space that must consider comfort for the needs of local users. This area consists of lecture buildings, entrepreneurship buildings, football stadiums, as well as several sports arenas such as volleyball, futsal, basketball, tennis and badminton arenas. The Campus of the Faculty of Sports Science has an area of 5 hectares in which there is open space. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of comfort in campus open spaces through measurements of air temperature, air humidity, wind speed influenced by land cover (vegetation, pavement, water elements and building orientation) in the campus environment. The theme of the study is the Comfort Zone which focuses on user comfort to achieve the goal or criteria of thermal comfort of the environment based on the placement of space and human activities in the campus landscape. This research method uses quantitative descriptive methods. Observations were made in several locations on campus open spaces by purposive sampling on each different land cover characteristic using quantitative methods to obtain the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) value. The results showed that uncomfortable locations according to THI value standards were in all locations due to the use of pavement materials that did not absorb heat or vegetation that grew not optimally. This research shows that the presence of vegetation that shades a location can have an impact on decreasing air temperature in that location.