ISSUE FOCUS 64 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE July 2025 CATTLE WELFARE AND MILK QUALITY IN A WARMING WORLD Prolonged hot summers, combined with high productivity in modern livestock production, significantly increase the heat load on dairy cows. Heat stress occurs when cows generate more heat than they can dissipate, causing physiological strain that compromises their welfare and production. Heat stress negatively impacts milk yield and quality, and heightens dairy cows’ susceptibility to harmful bacterial components called endotoxins. The complicated relationship between heat stress and endotoxins poses a significant threat to both ruminant health and milk production. Regardless, there is no question that proactive measures are needed to mitigate these negative effects as global temperatures continue to rise and productivity is pushed to its limit. HEAT STRESS REDUCES MILK YIELD AND QUALITY During heat stress, cows try to regulate their body temperature by reducing their feed intake to minimize the heat released during digestion. However, this reduced feed intake means they do not meet the energy and protein requirements needed for optimal milk quality and production. In addition, heat-stressed cows have difficulty mobilizing fat tissue, leading to an increased reliance on glucose as an energy source. Consequently, there is reduced availability of glucose for milk production. During heat stress, amino acids, which are crucial for milk protein production, are mainly used for maintenance processes and immune system strengthening instead of for milk protein synthesis. Finally, heat stress also affects the integrity of cell-cell connections in mammary gland cells leading to poor mammary gland development during the dry period. This, in turn, significantMANAGING HEAT STRESS AND ENDOTOXIN THREATS IN MODERN DAIRY FARMING Kurt Van De Mierop Managing Director Nutrex Heat stress and endotoxin challenges are becoming increasingly critical in modern dairy farming. Rising temperatures not only reduce feed intake and milk quality but also compromise intestinal integrity, allowing harmful endotoxins to enter the bloodstream. These disruptions trigger inflammation and energy loss—but how can farmers effectively protect gut health and performance under such pressure? The article explores potential solutions and key strategies worth considering.
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