Scholarlink

<p>Silvopastoral systems integrating tree cover into pasturelands offer promising strategies to mitigate heat stress in tropical livestock production. This study evaluated the effects of shade from <i>Eucalyptus urograndis</i> on thermal comfort indices in Gyr and Girolando dairy cattle in the Brazilian Cerrado. Forty-eight lactating cows (24 Gir, 24 Girolando) were monitored over two years in two contrasting environments: no shade (full sun) and shade (silvopasture). Thermal indices, including rectal and surface temperatures (measured via infrared thermography), respiration rates, and panting scores, were analyzed alongside environmental data, such as the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI). Cattle under shade consistently exhibited lower body temperatures, respiration rates, and panting scores, with significant differences amplified under heat stress conditions (THI &gt; 74). Though both benefited from shade, Gyr cattle demonstrated better thermoregulatory responses than Girolando. Discriminant analysis accurately classified animals by system (&gt; 92%) and breed (~ 71%) based on physiological traits. These results confirm that tree shade significantly enhances animal comfort in tropical pasture systems and supports the implementation of silvopastoral practices to improve dairy cattle welfare and resilience under climate stress.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Shade matters: heat stress alleviation in Gyr and Girolando cows through silvopastoral management in tropical conditions

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月14日

查看全文
  • Concepta McManus,
  • Felipe Pimentel,
  • Vinícius Silva Junqueira,
  • Luiz Carlos Balbino,
  • Luiz Adriano Maia Cordeiro,
  • Francisco Bernal,
  • Vanessa Peripolli,
  • Isabel Cristina Ferreira

摘要

Silvopastoral systems integrating tree cover into pasturelands offer promising strategies to mitigate heat stress in tropical livestock production. This study evaluated the effects of shade from Eucalyptus urograndis on thermal comfort indices in Gyr and Girolando dairy cattle in the Brazilian Cerrado. Forty-eight lactating cows (24 Gir, 24 Girolando) were monitored over two years in two contrasting environments: no shade (full sun) and shade (silvopasture). Thermal indices, including rectal and surface temperatures (measured via infrared thermography), respiration rates, and panting scores, were analyzed alongside environmental data, such as the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI). Cattle under shade consistently exhibited lower body temperatures, respiration rates, and panting scores, with significant differences amplified under heat stress conditions (THI > 74). Though both benefited from shade, Gyr cattle demonstrated better thermoregulatory responses than Girolando. Discriminant analysis accurately classified animals by system (> 92%) and breed (~ 71%) based on physiological traits. These results confirm that tree shade significantly enhances animal comfort in tropical pasture systems and supports the implementation of silvopastoral practices to improve dairy cattle welfare and resilience under climate stress.