Impacts of Heat Stress Throughout the Lactation Cycle

Heat stress has dramatic negative impacts on dairy cow productivity throughout the lactation cycle. In this webinar we will review the degree that milk yield is reduced with heat stress in lactation and the physiological reasons for those effects. In addition, we will consider the effects of heat stress during the dry period, in particular the profound negative impacts of heat stress on mammary development, immune function and ultimately on productivity in the next lactation. Finally, we will discuss the effects of maternal heat stress on the developing fetus, where life-long deficits in productivity are observed.

What You Will Learn

• How do cows respond to heat stress across the phases of the lactation cycle?
• Why do dry cows require heat stress abatement to optimize productivity and health?
• What are the long term implications of maternal heat stress on the calf?