EFFECT OF HEAT STRESS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR IN DAIRY ANIMALS AND POULTRY
Heat stress is a progressively primary concern in dairy and poultry farming, attributable to escalating global temperatures, which adversely impact animal health, productivity, and welfare. This review aims to synthesize contemporary studies to enhance understanding of the physiological, behavioral, and productive responses of dairy animals and poultry to heat stress. This review aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms such as the functions of heat shock proteins and oxidative stress, and the thermoregulatory and behavioral adaptations these animals utilize to manage increased temperatures. A thorough examination of recent research underscores the effects of heat stress on milk yield, egg-laying efficiency, and reproductive health. The study highlights significant areas for improvement in current research, notably the absence of long-term studies, inadequate emphasis on low-yielding and indigenous breeds, and the restricted investigation of the interactions between various environmental stressors and heat stress. This research assesses the efficacy of diverse mitigation techniques, including dietary therapies and technical solutions like cooling systems and wearable sensors, in alleviating the detrimental impacts of heat stress on livestock. The analysis offers pragmatic recommendations for future research, highlighting the necessity for interdisciplinary approaches that integrate physiology, nutrition, and technology to create sustainable solutions for cattle production. This evaluation enhances the resilience and welfare of dairy cattle and poultry in the context of climate change by addressing existing research gaps. Principal discoveries and consequences inform further research and direct practical applications in agricultural management methods.
Keywords: heat stress, dairy animals, poultry, thermoregulation, productivity, mitigation strategies, livestock welfare.
