Heat stress physiology in dairy cattle under climate change scenarios

Rising global temperatures and frequent heat waves are changing the way dairy cattle function and perform. Cows are particularly vulnerable to heat stress because of their high metabolic demands for milk production and their limited ability to dissipate heat. When animals are exposed to high temperature and humidity, their body systems are forced to work harder to maintain balance, resulting in reduced feed intake, altered hormonal profiles, poor fertility and lower milk yield. These effects are becoming more frequent and severe with climate change. This review discusses the physiology of heat stress in dairy cattle, the ways in which it alters production and reproduction and the possible strategies that farmers and scientists are adopting to reduce its impact. By looking at both the challenges and the opportunities, we can better understand how to sustain dairy farming in a warmer future.