Evaluation of heat abatement use, vaginal temperature, and activity of pregnant, lactating Holstein cows housed on pasture with or without the choice between shade and sprinklers for heat abatement.

Author

Kevin M. Braman, Mississippi State UniversityFollow

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2991-4192

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Stone, Amanda

Committee Member

Rios de Alvarez, Leyla

Committee Member

Pesato, Michael

Committee Member

Larson, Jamie

Date of Degree

8-8-2023

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Agriculture

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences

Abstract

The objective of this thesis was to determine how pregnant, lactating Holstein cows on pasture interact with shade and sprinklers when offered a choice or no-choice between methods. Authors hypothesized that cows would use shade more then sprinklers, but sprinklers would be more effective at cooling cows. Additionally, authors predicted cows using shade more would have decreased lying bouts and steps and an increase in time lying, compared to cows choosing sprinkler. Results indicate cows will use both methods when offered alone or together. However, cows will choose to be exposed or in shade at lower temperature humidity index values, but as the heat load increases, cows will shift to using sprinkler just as much as shade, and decrease overall time exposed. Overall, sprinklers were more effective at reducing vaginal temperature in heat stressed cows on pasture. Cows in shade had decreased lying bouts and steps, and increased time lying.

Recommended Citation

Braman, Kevin M., "Evaluation of heat abatement use, vaginal temperature, and activity of pregnant, lactating Holstein cows housed on pasture with or without the choice between shade and sprinklers for heat abatement." (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 5864.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/5864