Impact of heat stress on dairy cow rumination, milking frequency, milk yield and quality in a pasture-based automatic milking system

S. Talukder; D. Qiu; P. C. Thomson; L. Cheng; B. R. Cullen

doi:10.1071/AN22334

RESEARCH ARTICLE (Open Access)

Previous Next Contents Vol 64(1)

Impact of heat stress on dairy cow rumination, milking frequency, milk yield and quality in a pasture-based automatic milking system

S. Talukder

^A ^* , D. Qiu ^A , P. C. Thomson

^B , L. Cheng

^C and B. R. Cullen

^A

+ Author Affiliations

- Author Affiliations

^A School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia.

^B Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia.

^C School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Dookie College, Vic. 3647, Australia.

^* Correspondence to: saranika.talukder@unimelb.edu.au

Handling Editor: Callum Eastwood

Animal Production Science 64, AN22334 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN22334

Submitted: 31 August 2022 Accepted: 21 April 2023 Published: 24 May 2023

© 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND)

Abstract

Context

Heat stress is an increasing concern for the Australian dairy industry.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of temperature–humidity index (THI) on rumination time (RT), milk yield and quality, and milking frequency in a pasture-based voluntary-movement automatic milking system (AMS).

Methods

Data were collected from the University of Melbourne Dookie College AMS farm for 3 years (June 2016 to March 2019). Daily RT was collected through the transponder collar (Qwes-HR, Lely). Climatic data (maximum ambient temperature and relative humidity) were obtained from the Dookie Meteorological station to calculate daily maximum THI (THI_max).

Key results

Daily milk yield increased with a rising THI_max to 65, then declined after THI_max 65. Milking frequency was highest at THI_max 90, followed by a steady decline afterwards. Rumination time was maximum at mid-range THI_max and declined for high and low values.

Conclusions

The findings of this study clearly indicated that under pasture-based voluntary-movement AMS, high THI resulted in a drop in the milk yield, milking frequency and RT.

Implications

With the provision of automation of data collection from AMS, further study with mathematical modelling describing the daily patterns and thresholds in conjunction with the different heat stress levels can be useful for assessing animal welfare and to mitigate heat stress and seek alternative management strategies.

Keywords: automatic milking systems, heat stress, milk quality, milking frequency, pasture, rumination, somatic cell count, temperature humidity index.

References

Abebe R, Hatiya H, Abera M, Megersa B, Asmare K (2016) Bovine mastitis: prevalence, risk factors and isolation of Staphylococcus aureus in dairy herds at Hawassa milk shed, South Ethiopia. BMC Veterinary Research 12, 270.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Abeni F, Galli A (2017) Monitoring cow activity and rumination time for an early detection of heat stress in dairy cow. International Journal of Biometeorology 61, 417-425.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Adin G, Solomon R, Nikbachat M, Zenou A, Yosef E, Brosh A, Shabtay A, Mabjeesh SJ, Halachmi I, Miron J (2009) Effect of feeding cows in early lactation with diets differing in roughage-neutral detergent fiber content on intake behavior, rumination, and milk production. Journal of Dairy Science 92, 3364-3373.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Awale MM, Dudhatra GB, Avinash K, Chauhan BN, Kamani DR (2012) Bovine mastitis: a threat to economy. Open Access Scientific Reports 1, 295.
| Google Scholar |

Bar D, Solomon R (2010) Rumination collars; what they tell us? In ‘Proceedings of the 1st North American conference, precision dairy management’, Toronto, Canada. Available at http://www.precisiondairy.com/proceedings/s11bar.pdf

Beauchemin KA (2018) Invited review: current perspectives on eating and rumination activity in dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science 101, 4762-4784.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Bernabucci U, Lacetera N, Baumgard LH, Rhoads RP, Ronchi B, Nardone A (2010) Metabolic and hormonal acclimation to heat stress in domesticated ruminants. Animal 4, 1167-1183.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Bertocchi L, Vitali A, Lacetera N, Nardone A, Varisco G, Bernabucci U (2014) Seasonal variations in the composition of Holstein cow’s milk and temperature–humidity index relationship. Animal 8, 667-674.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Bohmanova J, Misztal I, Cole JB (2007) Temperature-humidity indices as indicators of milk production losses due to heat stress. Journal of Dairy Science 90, 1947-1956.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Bouraoui R, Lahmar M, Majdoub A, Djemali M, Belyea R (2002) The relationship of temperature-humidity index with milk production of dairy cows in a Mediterranean climate. Animal Research 51, 479-491.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Brügemann K, Gernand E, König von Borstel U, König S (2012) Defining and evaluating heat stress thresholds in different dairy cow production systems. Archives Animal Breeding 55, 13-24.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Butler DG, Cullis BR, Gilmour AR, Gogel BJ, Thompson R (2017) ‘ASReml-R reference manual version 4.’ (VSN International Ltd: Hemel Hempstead, UK)

Byskov MV, Nadeau E, Johansson BEO, Nørgaard P (2015) Variations in automatically recorded rumination time as explained by variations in intake of dietary fractions and milk production, and between-cow variation. Journal of Dairy Science 98, 3926-3937.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Carabaño MJ, Logar B, Bormann J, Minet J, Vanrobays M-L, Díaz C, Tychon B, Gengler N, Hammami H (2016) Modeling heat stress under different environmental conditions. Journal of Dairy Science 99, 3798-3814.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Clements ACA, Pfeiffer DU, Hayes D (2005) Bayesian spatio-temporal modelling of national milk-recording data of seasonal-calving New Zealand dairy herds. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 71, 183-196.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Cullen BR, Weng H-M, Talukder S, Cheng L (2021) Cow milking order and its influence on milk production in a pasture-based automatic milking system. Animal Production Science 61, 306-312.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Dairy Australia (2020) ‘Cool cows: Strategies for managing heat stress in dairy cows.’ (Dairy Australia)

Dunshea FR, Leury BJ, Fahri F, DiGiacomo K, Hung A, Chauhan S, Clarke IJ, Collier R, Little S, Baumgard L, Gaughan JB (2013) Amelioration of thermal stress impacts in dairy cows. Animal Production Science 53, 965-975.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

El-Tahawy AS, El-Far AH (2010) Influences of somatic cell count on milk composition and dairy farm profitability. International Journal of Dairy Technology 63, 463-469.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Erina S, Cziszter LT, Acatincăi S, Baul S, Tripon I, Gavojdian D, Răducan GG, Buzamăt G (2013) Research on rumination time according to administration order of forages in Romanian Black and White cows. Animal Science and Biotechnologies 46, 302-305.
| Google Scholar |

Garcia SC, Clark CEF, Kerrisk KL, Islam MR, Fariña SR, Evans J (2013) Gaps and variability in pasture utilisation in Australian pasture-based dairy systems. In ‘Proceedings of the 22nd international grassland congress’, University of Kentucky (Eds DL Michalk, GD Millar, WB Badgery, KM Broadfoot) pp. 1709–1716. (New South Wales Department of Primary Industry, Orange, NSW, Australia)

Garner JB, Douglas M, Williams SRO, Wales WJ, Marett LC, DiGiacomo K, Leury BJ, Hayes BJ (2017) Responses of dairy cows to short-term heat stress in controlled-climate chambers. Animal Production Science 57, 1233-1241.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Hansen PJ (2007) Exploitation of genetic and physiological determinants of embryonic resistance to elevated temperature to improve embryonic survival in dairy cattle during heat stress. Theriogenology 68, S242-S249.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Hendricks J, Mills KE, Sirovica LV, Sundermann L, Bolton SE, von Keyserlingk MAG (2022) Public perceptions of potential adaptations for mitigating heat stress on Australian dairy farms. Journal of Dairy Science 105, 5893-5908.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Herbut P, Hoffmann G, Angrecka S, Godyń D, Vieira FMC, Adamczyk K, Kupczyński R (2021) The effects of heat stress on the behaviour of dairy cows – a review. Annals of Animal Science 21, 385-402.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Hogan J, Smith KL (2012) Managing environmental mastitis. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 28, 217-224.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Horton RM, Mankin JS, Lesk C, Coffel E, Raymond C (2016) A review of recent advances in research on extreme heat events. Current Climate Change Reports 2, 242-259.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Igono MO, Bjotvedt G, Sanford-Crane HT (1992) Environmental profile and critical temperature effects on milk production of Holstein cows in desert climate. International Journal of Biometeorology 36, 77-87.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Islam MA, Lomax S, Doughty A, Islam MR, Jay O, Thomson P, Clark C (2021) Automated monitoring of cattle heat stress and its mitigation. Frontiers in Animal Science 2, 737213.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Ji B, Banhazi T, Ghahramani A, Bowtell L, Wang C, Li B (2020) Modelling of heat stress in a robotic dairy farm. Part 3: rumination and milking performance. Biosystems Engineering 199, 58-72.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Kelly CF, Bond TE (1971) ‘Bioclimatic factors and their measurement: a guide to environmental research on animals.’ (National Academy Press: Washington, DC, USA)

Lacetera N, Bernabucci U, Scalia D, Ronchi B, Kuzminsky G, Nardone A (2005) Lymphocyte functions in dairy cows in hot environment. International Journal of Biometeorology 50, 105-110.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Lambertz C, Sanker C, Gauly M (2014) Climatic effects on milk production traits and somatic cell score in lactating Holstein-Friesian cows in different housing systems. Journal of Dairy Science 97, 319-329.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Lopez-Benavides MG, Williamson JH, Pullinger GD, Lacy-Hulbert SJ, Cursons RT, Leigh JA (2007) Field observations on the variation of Streptococcus uberis populations in a pasture-based dairy farm. Journal of Dairy Science 90, 5558-5566.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Macdonald KA, Penno JW (1998) Management decision rules to optimise milksolids production on dairy farms. In ‘Proceedings of the New Zealand society of animal production. Vol. 58.’ pp. 132–135. (New Zealand Society of Animal Production Publishing)

Maia GG, Siqueira LGB, Vasconcelos COdP, Tomich TR, Camargo LSdA, Rodrigues JPP, de Menezes RA, Gonçalves LC, Teixeira BF, Grando RdO, Nogueira LAG, Pereira LGR (2020) Effects of heat stress on rumination activity in Holstein-Gyr dry cows. Livestock Science 239, 104092.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

McDougall S (2002) Bovine mastitis: epidemiology, treatment and control. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 50, 81-84.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Moretti R, Biffani S, Chessa S, Bozzi R (2017) Heat stress effects on Holstein dairy cows’ rumination. Animal 11, 2320-2325.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Müschner-Siemens T, Hoffmann G, Ammon C, Amon T (2020) Daily rumination time of lactating dairy cows under heat stress conditions. Journal of Thermal Biology 88, 102484.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Nasr MAF, El-Tarabany MS (2017) Impact of three THI levels on somatic cell count, milk yield and composition of multiparous Holstein cows in a subtropical region. Journal of Thermal Biology 64, 73-77.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Negri R, Daltro DdS, Cobuci JA (2021) Heat stress effects on somatic cell score of Holstein cattle in tropical environment. Livestock Science 247, 104480.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Nidumolu UB, Crimp S, Gobbett D, Laing A, Little S (2010) Effectiveness of adaptations to heat stress to maintain dairy productivity in a variable and changing northern Victorian climate. National research flagships climate adaptation report. CSIRO Publishing, Australia.

Nidumolu U, Crimp S, Gobbett D, Laing A, Howden M, Little S (2014) Spatio-temporal modelling of heat stress and climate change implications for the Murray dairy region, Australia. International Journal of Biometeorology 58, 1095-1108.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Olde Riekerink RGM, Barkema HW, Stryhn H (2007) The effect of season on somatic cell count and the incidence of clinical mastitis. Journal of Dairy Science 90, 1704-1715.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Osei-Amponsah R, Dunshea FR, Leury BJ, Cheng L, Cullen B, Joy A, Abhijith A, Zhang MH, Chauhan SS (2020) Heat stress impacts on lactating cows grazing australian summer pastures on an automatic robotic dairy. Animals 10, 869.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Ouellet V, Cabrera VE, Fadul-Pacheco L, Charbonneau É (2019) The relationship between the number of consecutive days with heat stress and milk production of Holstein dairy cows raised in a humid continental climate. Journal of Dairy Science 102, 8537-8545.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Radostits OM, Gay CC, Hinchcliff KW, Constable PD (2007) ‘Veterinary medicine: a textbook of the diseases of cattle, horses, sheep, pigs and goats.’ 10th edn. (Elsevier Ltd: London, UK)

Ramón-Moragues A, Carulla P, Mínguez C, Villagrá A, Estellés F (2021) Dairy cows activity under heat stress: a case study in Spain. Animals 11 2305.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Schirmann K, von Keyserlingk MAG, Weary DM, Veira DM, Heuwieser W (2009) Technical note: Validation of a system for monitoring rumination in dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science 92, 6052-6055.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Schütz KE, Rogers AR, Cox NR, Webster JR, Tucker CB (2011) Dairy cattle prefer shade over sprinklers: Effects on behavior and physiology. Journal of Dairy Science 94, 273-283.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Sharma N, Singh NK, Singh OP, Pandey V, Verma PK (2011) Oxidative stress and antioxidant status during transition period in dairy cows. Asian–Australasian Journal of Animal Science 24, 479-484.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Sjaastad OV, Hove K, Sand O (2003) ‘Physiology of domestic animals.’ pp. 507–527. (Scandinavian Veterinary Press: Oslo, Norway)

Soriani N, Trevisi E, Calamari L (2012) Relationships between rumination time, metabolic conditions, and health status in dairy cows during the transition period. Journal of Animal Science 90, 4544-4554.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Soriani N, Panella G, Calamari L (2013) Rumination time during the summer season and its relationships with metabolic conditions and milk production. Journal of Dairy Science 96, 5082-5094.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Speroni M, Pirlo G, Lolli S (2006) Effect of automatic milking systems on milk yield in a hot environment. Journal of Dairy Science 89, 4687-4693.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Spörndly E, Wredle E (2004) Automatic milking and grazing – effects of distance to pasture and level of supplements on milk yield and cow behavior. Journal of Dairy Science 87, 1702-1712.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Stockdale CR (2006) Influence of milking frequency on the productivity of dairy cows. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 46, 965-997.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Talukder S, Thomson PC, Kerrisk KL, Clark CEF, Celi P (2015) Evaluation of infrared thermography body temperature and collar-mounted accelerometer and acoustic technology for predicting time of ovulation of cows in a pasture-based system. Theriogenology 83, 739-748.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

West JW, Mullinix BG, Bernard JK (2003) Effects of hot, humid weather on milk temperature, dry matter intake, and milk yield of lactating dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science 86, 232-242.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Wickham H (2016) ‘ggplot2: elegant graphics for data analysis.’ (Springer: New York, NY, USA)

Wildridge AM, Garcia SC, Thomson PC, Jongman EC, Clark CEF, Kerrisk KL (2017) The impact of a shaded pre-milking yard on a pasture-based automatic milking system. Animal Production Science 57, 1219-1225.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Wildridge AM, Thomson PC, Garcia SC, John AJ, Jongman EC, Clark CEF, Kerrisk KL (2018) Short communication: the effect of temperature-humidity index on milk yield and milking frequency of dairy cows in pasture-based automatic milking systems. Journal of Dairy Science 101, 4479-4482.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Yang WZ, Beauchemin KA (2006) Effects of physically effective fiber on chewing activity and ruminal ph of dairy cows fed diets based on barley silage. Journal of Dairy Science 89, 217-228.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |