Elevated temperature-humidity index induces physiological, blood and milk alterations in Holstein cows in a more pronounced manner than in 1/2 and 3/4 Holstein × Gir

Abstract

Bos taurus taurus and Bos taurus indicus cattle subspecies present different capabilities in coping with situations of elevated temperatures, the latter being more tolerant to heat stress. Thus, some breeding programs crossed these subspecies to produce a high producing yet heat-tolerant breed (Girolando). Nineteen Holstein (H100) and 19 Girolando cows [(½ Holstein x Gir (H50) and ¾ Holstein x Gir (H75)] with similar milk production were used in a six-day experiment to evaluate the consequences of heat stress due to shade deprivation on their physiological, blood and milk traits. Cows were exposed to a non-shaded environment between morning (06:00h; GMT -3:00) and evening milking (14:30h; GMT -3:00) with access to water ad libitum. Procedures were conducted before morning and evening milkings. Physiological parameters related to mechanisms of heat dissipation were measured, as well as the milk composition. Blood traits were evaluated. Temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated. Statistical procedures included analysis of variance, correlation and principal factors. THI was elevated during the entire trial and negatively impacted physiological, milk and blood parameters in H100, H75 and H50. Alterations in physiology, milk stability, milk composition and blood traits were more pronounced in H100. Holstein cows presented changes in physiological parameters in a more pronounced manner and in some milk and blood traits related to the reduced capability of this breed in dealing with elevated THI. The similarity in milk production levels excludes this parameter as a justification for differences in heat tolerance, with genetic composition being the main reason for this results.