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Evaluation of heat abatement use, vaginal temperature, and activity of pregnant, lactating Holstein cows housed on pasture with or without the choice between shade and sprinklers for heat abatement.

The objective of this thesis was to determine how pregnant, lactating Holstein cows on pasture interact with shade and sprinklers when offered a choice or no-choice between methods. Authors hypothesized that cows would use shade more then sprinklers, but sprinklers would be more effective at cooling cows. Additionally, authors predicted cows using shade more would have decreased lying bouts and steps and an increase in time lying, compared to cows choosing sprinkler. Results indicate cows will use both methods when offered alone or together. However, cows will choose to be exposed or in shade at lower temperature humidity index values, but as the heat load increases, cows will shift to using sprinkler just as much as shade, and decrease overall time exposed. Overall, sprinklers were more effective at reducing vaginal temperature in heat stressed cows on pasture. Cows in shade had decreased lying bouts and steps, and increased time lying.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:MSSTATE/oai:scholarsjunction.msstate.edu:td-6976
Date08 August 2023
CreatorsBraman, Kevin M.
PublisherScholars Junction
Source SetsMississippi State University
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext
Formatapplication/pdf
SourceTheses and Dissertations

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