Zona de conforto térmico para bovinos leiteiros e os efeitos do estresse térmico sobre a fisiologia e desempenho produtivo

Abstract

The aim of this literature review is to discuss the main characteristics of the thermal comfort zone for dairy cattle and the effects of heat stress on physiology and production performance. Dairy farming is an activity of great importance throughout the country. As a result, adverse weather conditions affect the productive and reproductive performance of cattle, especially in tropical climates or during the summer, when ambient temperatures and relative humidity are high. Considering the thermoneutral zone for dairy cattle, the temperature range, when there is no necessity to lose or produce heat and animals are in a comfortable temperature, and the environmental conditions occurring in most regions of country, there is risk in the occurrence of thermal stress. These conditions in cattle causes changes in physiological and behavioral parameters, involving animal welfare. Therefore, studies about the effect of thermal environment on the physiological responses of animals is of great importance in order to address the heat stress situations in which animals are located.