Effects of Heat Stress on Late Gestation of Dams and Their Calves
Author(s): FU Tai-yin, LI Mo-lin, ZHOU Lei, WANG Hong
Pages: 52-54
Year: 2015 Issue: 18
Journal: China Dairy Cattle
Keyword: Heat stress; Late gestation; Dairy cattle;
Abstract: Heat stress during late gestation has profound effects on cows during the pre- and postpartum periods. In addition to impaired immune function during the transition period, heat stress during the dry period adversely affects mammary gland development before parturition and exerts residual effects on metabolism in early lactation and subsequent lactational performance. Maternal heat stress in late gestation also compromises placental development and fetal growth and negatively affects the immune competence of the offspring. These observations suggest the importance of heat stress abatement as an easily implemented method for managers to improve dry cow performance and calf health and growth.
Pages: 52-54
Year: 2015 Issue: 18
Journal: China Dairy Cattle
Keyword: Heat stress; Late gestation; Dairy cattle;
Abstract: Heat stress during late gestation has profound effects on cows during the pre- and postpartum periods. In addition to impaired immune function during the transition period, heat stress during the dry period adversely affects mammary gland development before parturition and exerts residual effects on metabolism in early lactation and subsequent lactational performance. Maternal heat stress in late gestation also compromises placental development and fetal growth and negatively affects the immune competence of the offspring. These observations suggest the importance of heat stress abatement as an easily implemented method for managers to improve dry cow performance and calf health and growth.
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