Effect of different heat mitigation strategies on the thermography of lactating water buffaloes during summer seasons under tropical conditions.

Livestock management practices like the provision of shade, air movement using fans, and wallowing are important methods to alleviate heat stress (HS) and maintain the productivity of buffaloes during extreme summer seasons. This study evaluated the effectiveness of heat mitigation strategies in lactating Murrah buffaloes under extreme summer conditions, with temperature-humidity index (THI) values ranging from 82.29 to 84.62, indicating periods of critical HS. A total of 84 buffaloes were taken and divided into 7 groups, with each group subjected to different strategies: Group I (tree and shed); Group II (mist and fan system); Group III (shower system); Group IV (mud pool); Group V (water pool); and Group VI (water pond) while Group VII (open area) served as the control. Infrared thermography (IRT) was used to measure muzzle, eye, and forehead temperatures. Milk somatic cell counts (SCC) and cortisol levels were measured in milk samples. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA and Pearson correlation, with P < 0.05 considered significant. Buffaloes under Group III showed the most significant (P < 0.05) reductions in body surface temperatures, milk SCC, and milk cortisol levels, followed by Groups VI and II. Positive correlations were found between muzzle (r = 0.672, P < 0.01) and eye (r = 0.747, P < 0.01) temperatures with milk cortisol. Regression analysis confirmed moderate associations between milk cortisol and both muzzle (R² = 0.452, β = 1.12, P < 0.001) and eye (R² = 0.558, β = 1.26, P < 0.001) temperatures. Results indicated Group III as the most effective method for reducing HS in buffaloes, followed by Group VI and II. These strategies help to sustain buffalo productivity during extreme summer conditions.