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Effect of programmed diurnal temperature cycles on plasma thyroxine level, body temperature, and feed intake of holstein dairy cows

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Abstract

Holstein cows exposed to simulated summer diurnal ambient temperature cycles of Phoenix, Arizona and Atlanta, Georgia and diurnal modifications of these climates displayed daily cycles fluctuations in plasma thyroxine (T4) and rectal temperatures (Tre). There were daily diurnal changes in T4 and Tre under all simulated climate conditions. Maximal values generally occurred in the evening hours and minimum values in the morning. Although the diurnal rhythm was influenced by the various simulated climates (diurnal modifications) a diurnal rhythm was very evident even under constant conditions at thermoneutral (Tnc) and at cyclic thermoneutral conditions (TN). The major significance of the study is that the initiation of night cooling of the animals at a time when their Tre was highest was most beneficial to maintenance of a TN plasma T4 level. There was a highly significant negative relationship of average T4 and average Tre. There was also a significant negative relationship of feed consumption and average temperature-humidity index (THI).

These data suggest that night cooling may be a most effective method to alleviate thermoregulatory limitations of a hot climate on optimal animal performance. Decreasing the night time air temperature (Ta) or THI or increasing the diurnal range allows the cows to more easily dissipate excess body heat accumulated during the day and minimize the thermal inhibition on feed intake, and alterations in plasma T4 and Tre.

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Abbreviations

T4 :

Plasma thyroxine, ng/ml

Ta :

Air temperature

THI:

Tdb + 0.36 Tdp + 41.2

Tre :

Rectal temperature, ÐC

Tymp:

Ear tympanic temperature, ÐC

TN:

Thermoneutral cyclic

TNC:

Thermoneutral constant conditions

ADT:

Atlanta diurnal temperature

ARP:

Atlanta reduced peak

AID:

Atlanta increased duration

AIE:

Atlanta increased extent

PDT:

Phoenix diurnal temperature

PRP:

Phoenix reduced peak

PID:

Phoenix increased duration

PIE:

Phoenix increased extent

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dairy Science, University of Missouri, 65211, Columbia, Mo.

    I. M. Scott & H. D. Johnson

  2. Agricultural Engineering Research Unit, Roman L. Kruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, AR-Science and Education Administration, Clay Center, 68901, NE

    G. L. Hahn

Authors
  1. I. M. Scott
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  2. H. D. Johnson
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  3. G. L. Hahn
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Contribution from the Missouri Agriculture Experimental Station.

Reference to a company or product name is for specific information only and does not imply approval or recommendation of product by the University of Missouri or the U.S. Department of Agriculture to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.

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Scott, I.M., Johnson, H.D. & Hahn, G.L. Effect of programmed diurnal temperature cycles on plasma thyroxine level, body temperature, and feed intake of holstein dairy cows. Int J Biometeorol 27, 47–62 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02186300

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