ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE June 2024 41 THE EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM HEAT STRESS ON OFFSPRING Research suggests that the deleterious effects of post-traumatic stress can be perpetuated over several generations. This phenomenon, known as transgenerational programming, highlights the lasting consequences of heat stress. Exposure of cows to heat stress at the end of gestation (particularly during the last trimester) can compromise the development of the mammary gland, not only in the cow itself, but also in the unborn calf. This results in a reduction in future milk production capacity during the dairy career. Studies have shown that calves born to heat-stressed mothers can produce up to 5 kg less milk per day in their first lactation than those born to mothers not exposed to high temperatures. As well as having an impact on milk production, calves exposed to heat stress in utero show a reduction in longevity of 11.7 months (Laporta et al; 2020). Heat stress in calves, even during the prenatal period, can significantly influence their health, growth and, ultimately, their future milk yield. PREVENT THE CONSEQUENCES OF HEAT STRESS WITH THERMOPLUS® In Mexico, the CCPA group tested the distribution of Thermoplus® around calving time. The results of this test were associated with a more favourable start to lactation. Thermoplus® was administered for 24 days prior to farrowing and for the first 100 days of lactation. The batch receiving the Thermoplus® solution got off to a more promising start, with milk production 10% higher. Distribution before calving showed positive effects from the very first days of lactation. Thermoplus® is a specific plant- and mineral-based premix designed to reduce the adverse effects of heat stress on dairy ruminants. A trial published in the Journal of Dairy Science in 2023 revealed that, in addition to improved milk production (in terms of milk volume and rate), animals fed Thermoplus® showed a reduction in stress markers and a lower body temperature. We recommend using the adjuvant Thermoplus® for all the animals in the herd: • Dairy cows and dry cows: 40g per day via a mineral or specific feed • Calf: 6.5g per 100 kg live weight Our trials show a return on investment of more than 3. Evolution of lactation < 15 days of lactation < 15 days of lactation KG OF MILK/D 26.50 23.50 12.76 42.50 38.50 10.39 46.00 41.00 12.19 Thermoplus® Difference in % Control 16-45 days of lactation 16-45 days of lactation 46-100 days of lactation 46-100 days of lactation 50.0 40.0 30.0 20.0 10.0 0.0 Thermoplus® Control Figure 1.
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