CONFORTO TÉRMICO PARA VACAS LEITEIRAS E SUA IMPLICAÇÃO NA PRODUTIVIDADE E QUALIDADE DO LEITE

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1702318125

• Palavras-chave: Conforto térmico; estresse térmico; produtividade

• Keywords: Thermal comfort; thermal stress; productivity

• Abstract: Milk production is related to several factors which are of paramount importance for the dairy cattle production chain, including: genetics, reproduction, nutrition and thermal comfort, pillars of productivity. Heat stress is a limiting factor for milk production, as it intervenes in the productive and reproductive performance of animals, causing physical changes such as increased heart and respiratory rates, hormonal changes, increased water intake and reduced food consumption, These changes behavior can be observed with alterations in grazing schedules and a decrease in the time spent by the animal grazing. The effects of heat stress can also influence the physical-chemical characteristics of milk, potentially damaging total solids and compromising the quality of dairy results. Without the intention of mitigating these effects, measures such as the inclusion of artificial or natural shading in the production system can help reduce the negative impacts caused by thermal stress. This chapter aims to discuss important aspects of thermal comfort for dairy cattle and its implications for milk productivity and quality. It relies on information obtained from traditional databases, utilizing relevant descriptors for the topic and publications for reading, discussion and summarization of information that can elucidate the effect of heat stress on dairy production and the primary mechanisms that reduce economic losses.