HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Urdaz, J. H. Articles by Santos, J. E. P. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Urdaz, J. H. Articles by Santos, J. E. P.

Technical Note: Effects of Adding Shade and Fans to a Feedbunk Sprinkler System for Preparturient Cows on Health and Performance

J. H. Urdaz^*, M. W. Overton, D. A. Moore^,1 and J. E. P. Santos

^* Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0136
Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, Tulare 93274

¹ Corresponding author: dmoore{at}vmtrc.ucdavis.edu

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of adding shades and fans to a feedbunk-mounted sprinkler system on preparturient Holstein cows during summer heat stress. Outcome variables included postpartum milk production, changes in body condition score, changes in serum concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and incidence of postparturient disorders. Four hundred and seventy-five prepartum multiparous cows, 250 to 257 d pregnant, were randomly allocated to 2 study pens. Treatments consisted of sprinklers over the feed bunk (n = 236); and sprinklers, fans, and shades over the feed bunk (n = 239). Data were used from cows spending a minimum of 14 d in their assigned pen. After parturition, all cows were housed and managed under identical conditions. Data recorders in each pen recorded environmental temperature and humidity every 30 min. Body condition scores were taken at study enrollment, parturition, and 60 d in lactation. Following parturition, the presence of retained placenta, metritis, milk fever, and displaced abomasum were recorded for the length of the study. Milk production was measured using twice-monthly Dairy Herd Improvement Association tests for the first 60 d in lactation. Blood was sampled twice weekly in 98 cows and analyzed for serum NEFA during the last 3 wk before parturition. Cows spent approximately 28 d in their respective treatments. Average daily environmental temperature (± SD) in the sprinkler only treatment was 26.4 ± 7.2 vs. 25.1 ± 8.6°C in the shade, fans, and sprinkler treatment during the length of the trial. There was no difference in body condition score changes, incidence of postparturient disorders, or serum NEFA concentrations. There was a significant difference in total 60-d milk production, and an economic benefit over the preexisting cooling system.

Key Words: preparturient • dairy cow • cooling • heat stress

This article has been cited by other articles:

				G. E. Dahl Effects of short day photoperiod on prolactin signaling in dry cows: A common mechanism among tissues and environments? J Anim Sci, March 1, 2008; 86(13_suppl): 10 - 14. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]