Knowledge and perception of milk producers about thermal stress in Brazilian dairy farms.

Heat stress is a challenge for the milk production chain, especially in tropical environments. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the knowledge and the perception of milk producers about heat stress and determine what corrective measures they adopted to minimize losses in the productive performance of dairy cows due to high temperatures. A questionnaire was applied to 112 dairy farmers in the states of Minas Gerais and Goiás, Brazil in 2019 and 2020. The collected data were submitted to descriptive statistics using the G test of independence and multivariate correspondence analysis. Among the surveyed producers, 89% stated that they had already been informed about what heat stress is and how it affects the animals; 94% declared that they had already noticed in their day-to-day activities that heat stress impairs productivity and milk quality, and 92% stated that they have tried to reduce the heat stress to which the animals in their herd are exposed. There was an association among previous knowledge about heat stress and farm size, daily volume of milk produced, number of lactating cows, type of milking and presence of technical assistance. There was also an association among the adoption of measures that minimize the negative effects of heat stress with the size of the property, the number of cows in lactation and with the producer's perception of heat stress in their daily lives. It was concluded that, in important municipalities of the Brazilian dairy chain, most milk producers surveyed have knowledge and perception of the negative effects of heat stress on the productive performance of dairy cows and sought to adopt measures that could alleviate them.

Heat wave exposure impairs reproductive performance in primiparous sows and gilts in a tropical environment.

We studied the effects of heat waves (HW), defined as three consecutive days with an ambient temperature ≥ 25 °C and a temperature and humidity index (THI) > 74, on the reproductive performance of sows. Meteorological data were obtained from the National Institute of Meteorology and reproductive data from a commercial farm with 51,578 inseminations and 49,103 pregnancies from September 5, 2013, to July 12, 2019. Sows were divided into the following groups according to the parity order: group 1 (sows that did not experience HW on the day of insemination) and group 2 (sows exposed to HW on the day of insemination). The percentage of days that pregnant sows were exposed to HW was calculated as 0 to 25% (1), 26 to 50% (2), 51 to 75% (3), and > 75% (4). Out of a total of 2137 days, there were 160 HW and more than 10 HW per month, except in May, June, and July. Gilts in group 2 showed a decrease in the percentage of gestation (98.21% and 98.78%, respectively, P = 0.0267) and the percentage of births compared with those in group 1 (95.53% and 96.61, respectively, P = 0.0065). Primiparous sows in group 2 had a higher percentage of abortions than gilts in group 1 (3.20% and 2.42%, respectively; P = 0.0334). Sows exposed to more than 50% HW during gestation produced more mummified piglets than sows exposed to less than 50% HW. The number of stillborn piglets was higher in sows exposed to temperatures above 25% HW during gestation. The occurrence of heat waves in gilts and primiparous sows impairs reproductive performance.

Antimicrobial effect of bothropstoxin-i in broilers / Atividade antimicrobiana da bothropstoxin-i em frangos de corte

Bacterial resistance is a sanitary issue explained by indiscriminate use of nonprescription drugs, and antimicrobial use in food production for growth promotion. Bothropstoxin-I (BthTx-I) is a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) from Bothrops jararacussu venom, which has a known antimicrobial effect. The goal of this study was the unprecedented evaluation of in vivo antimicrobial activity of BthTx-I in broilers. Microbiological, biochemical, and histological parameters were determined using 84 21-day old broilers that were kept in cages with four birds each at a density of 625 cm2/broiler. The experiment was randomized by three treatments with seven repetitions of four broilers each that lasted seven days. The treatments were: 1) bacitracin zinc diet; 2) PLA2-BthTx-I; 3) without additives. The data obtained from the studied variables was subjected to analysis of variance and an F-test at the 5% significance level. Averages of each variable in each treatment were compared by Tukey’s test. Broiler bacterial cloacal counts showed that BthTx-I decreased the microbial population without reducing body weight, intestinal morphology, or liver or kidney histopathological damage. The toxin showed in vivo activity, being an alternative for better performance in the production of broiler chickens, because it acted by decreasing the microbial load of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal

A resistência bacteriana é uma questão sanitária, explicada pelo uso indiscriminado de medicamentos sem receita médica e pelo uso de antimicrobianos na produção de alimentos para promover o crescimento. Bothropstoxin-I (BthTx-I) é uma fosfolipase A2 (PLA2) obtida do veneno da Bothrops jararacussu. A PLA2 do veneno de cobra tem efeito antimicrobiano conhecido. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar sem precedentes a atividade antimicrobiana in vivo de BthTx-I em frangos de corte. Os parâmetros microbiológicos, bioquímicos e histológicos foram realizados em 84 frangos de corte com 21 dias de idade mantidos em gaiolas com quatro animais cada e densidade de 625 cm2/frango. O experimento foi dividido em três tratamentos com sete repetições de quatro frangos cada um, com duração de sete dias. Os tratamentos foram: 1) dieta com bacitracina de zinco; 2) PLA2-BthTx-I; 3) sem aditivos. Os dados obtidos das variáveis estudadas foram submetidos à análise de variância e teste F ao nível de significância de 5%. As médias dos tratamentos em cada variável foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. A contagem cloacal bacteriana de frangos de corte mostrou que o BthTx-I diminuiu a população microbiana sem comprometer o peso corporal, a morfologia intestinal ou causar danos histopatológico no fígado e rins. Concluiu-se que a toxina apresentou atividade in vivo, sendo uma alternativa para um melhor desempenho na produção de frangos de corte, pois agiu diminuindo a carga microbiana de bactérias potencialmente patogênicas na microbiota intestinal das aves e não causou danos musculares, hepáticos ou renais na dosagem avaliada.

Antimicrobial effect of bothropstoxin-i in broilers / Atividade antimicrobiana da bothropstoxin-i em frangos de corte

Bacterial resistance is a sanitary issue explained by indiscriminate use of nonprescription drugs, and antimicrobial use in food production for growth promotion. Bothropstoxin-I (BthTx-I) is a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) from Bothrops jararacussu venom, which has a known antimicrobial effect. The goal of this study was the unprecedented evaluation of in vivo antimicrobial activity of BthTx-I in broilers. Microbiological, biochemical, and histological parameters were determined using 84 21-day old broilers that were kept in cages with four birds each at a density of 625 cm2/broiler. The experiment was randomized by three treatments with seven repetitions of four broilers each that lasted seven days. The treatments were: 1) bacitracin zinc diet; 2) PLA2-BthTx-I; 3) without additives. The data obtained from the studied variables was subjected to analysis of variance and an F-test at the 5% significance level. Averages of each variable in each treatment were compared by Tukey’s test. Broiler bacterial cloacal counts showed that BthTx-I decreased the microbial population without reducing body weight, intestinal morphology, or liver or kidney histopathological damage. The toxin showed in vivo activity, being an alternative for better performance in the production of broiler chickens, because it acted by decreasing the microbial load of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal(AU)

A resistência bacteriana é uma questão sanitária, explicada pelo uso indiscriminado de medicamentos sem receita médica e pelo uso de antimicrobianos na produção de alimentos para promover o crescimento. Bothropstoxin-I (BthTx-I) é uma fosfolipase A2 (PLA2) obtida do veneno da Bothrops jararacussu. A PLA2 do veneno de cobra tem efeito antimicrobiano conhecido. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar sem precedentes a atividade antimicrobiana in vivo de BthTx-I em frangos de corte. Os parâmetros microbiológicos, bioquímicos e histológicos foram realizados em 84 frangos de corte com 21 dias de idade mantidos em gaiolas com quatro animais cada e densidade de 625 cm2/frango. O experimento foi dividido em três tratamentos com sete repetições de quatro frangos cada um, com duração de sete dias. Os tratamentos foram: 1) dieta com bacitracina de zinco; 2) PLA2-BthTx-I; 3) sem aditivos. Os dados obtidos das variáveis estudadas foram submetidos à análise de variância e teste F ao nível de significância de 5%. As médias dos tratamentos em cada variável foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. A contagem cloacal bacteriana de frangos de corte mostrou que o BthTx-I diminuiu a população microbiana sem comprometer o peso corporal, a morfologia intestinal ou causar danos histopatológico no fígado e rins. Concluiu-se que a toxina apresentou atividade in vivo, sendo uma alternativa para um melhor desempenho na produção de frangos de corte, pois agiu diminuindo a carga microbiana de bactérias potencialmente patogênicas na microbiota intestinal das aves e não causou danos musculares, hepáticos ou renais na dosagem avaliada.(AU)

Antimicrobial effect of bothropstoxin-i in broilers

Bacterial resistance is a sanitary issue explained by indiscriminate use of nonprescription drugs, and antimicrobial use in food production for growth promotion. Bothropstoxin-I (BthTx-I) is a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) from Bothrops jararacussu venom, which has a known antimicrobial effect. The goal of this study was the unprecedented evaluation of in vivo antimicrobial activity of BthTx-I in broilers. Microbiological, biochemical, and histological parameters were determined using 84 21-day old broilers that were kept in cages with four birds each at a density of 625 cm2/broiler. The experiment was randomized by three treatments with seven repetitions of four broilers each that lasted seven days. The treatments were: 1) bacitracin zinc diet; 2) PLA2-BthTx-I; 3) without additives. The data obtained from the studied variables was subjected to analysis of variance and an F-test at the 5% significance level. Averages of each variable in each treatment were compared by Tukey’s test. Broiler bacterial cloacal counts showed that BthTx-I decreased the microbial population without reducing body weight, intestinal morphology, or liver or kidney histopathological damage. The toxin showed in vivo activity, being an alternative for better performance in the production of broiler chickens, because it acted by decreasing the microbial load of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal microbiota of the birds and did not cause muscle, liver or kidney damage at the assessed dosage.

Occurrence of heat waves and the prediction of feed intake of sows raised in a tropical environment

The objective with this study was to estimate the voluntary feed intake (VFI) of sows during the occurrence of heat waves in the Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba mesoregion, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET) database was used to calculate the temperature-humidity index (THI) from 2008 to 2017 for Araxá, Frutal, Ituiutaba, Patos de Minas, Patrocínio, Uberaba, and Uberlândia, and the estimated VFI with and without effective occurrence of heat waves (EOH). An economic estimation of the revenue based on the VFI was performed. The data were analyzed by Friedman's non-parametric test (two-way non parametric analysis), using the significance level of 5%. The sows raised in Patrocínio showed a higher average prediction of VFI (6.611 kg without EOH and 5.743 kg with EOH) than Ituiutaba (6.424 kg without EOH and 3.969 kg with EOH) and Frutal (5.868 kg without EOH and 4.648 kg with EOH). In the classification "without EOH", the microregions of Araxá (6.502 kg), Uberaba (6.452 kg), and Uberlândia (6.478 kg) did not differ from the other cities, but "with EOH", Araxá (4.864 kg) differed from Patrocínio (5.743 kg). The reduction of VFI due to thermal stress represented a revenue reduction of R$ 74.60 per litter. The averages for predicted VFI were lower in the EOH category than in the probable occurrences of heat waves category for all cities. The predominance of heat waves reduces the VFI of sows, particularly in Ituiutaba and Frutal.(AU)

Bone parameters and organ morphometry of two broiler chicken lines exposed to heat for different periods / Parâmetros ósseos e morfometria de órgãos de duas linhagens de frangos de corte mantidos sob diferentes tempos de exposição ao calor

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different times of exposure to heat on bone parameters and organ morphometry of Cobb Slow® and Hubbard Flex® broilers exposed to high temperatures for 1, 2 or 3 h daily, from 14 days of age. A total of 1120 one-day-old male chicks (half of each line; average weight of 44 g) were housed into 32 cages with 35 birds each, in a randomized-block experimental design. From the first to the 13th day of age, the birds remained under the thermal conditions recommended for their lines; thereafter, from the 14th day, the shed was separated into four parallel sections of 5.60 × 10.20 × 2.8 m delimited by double-sided plastic curtains along the width of the shed. Cyclic heat stress was generated by average temperatures of 36 ºC from 14-20 days, 35 °C from 21-27 days, 34 °C from 28-34 days and 33 °C from 35-42 days. The total length, width, density and mineral matter of the tibia; the size of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum; and the weights of the bursa of Fabricius and spleen were measured. No interaction effect between thermal environment and line was observed. Heat stress for up to 3 h daily, from the 14th to the 41st day of age, led to a longer but narrower tibia. There was no influence on small intestine morphometry. The Hubbard line presented longer and wider tibiae as well as higher relative and absolute weights of the bursa. In conclusion, heat stress from 2 h daily modifies the structure of the tibia in broilers, which increases in length and reduces in width, but heat exposure has no influence on the small intestine or lymphoid organs. The Hubbard line shows better tibia development than the Cobb line as well as different primary lymphoid responses, represented by a heavier bursa.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de diferentes tempos de exposição ao calor sobre os parâmetros ósseos e morfometria de órgãos de frango de corte Cobb Slow® e Hubbard Flex® expostos à temperatura elevada por 1h, 2h e 3h diárias a partir de 14 dias de idade. Foram alojados 1120 pintos de cortes machos de um dia, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos casualizados, sendo metade de cada linhagem (peso médio de 44g) em 32 boxes com 35 aves cada. Do primeiro ao 13º dia de idade as aves permaneceram em condições térmicas de acordo com o recomendado para a linhagem, a partir do 14º dia, o galpão foi separado em quatro seções paralelas de 5,60 x 10,20 x 2,8m delimitadas por cortinas plásticas dupla face ao longo da largura do galpão. O estresse cíclico por calor foi gerado com temperaturas médias de 14-20 dias: 36 ºC; 21-27 dias: 35 ºC; 28-34 dias: 34 ºC e 35-42 dias: 33 ºC. O comprimento total, largura, densidade e matéria mineral do osso tíbia; tamanho do duodeno, jejuno e íleo e o peso da bursa e do baço foram determinados. Não foi observado interação entre ambiente térmico e linhagens. O estresse por calor no período de até 3 horas diárias, do 14º ao 41º dia de idade aumentou o comprimento e reduziu a largura do osso tíbia. Não houve influência na morfometria do intestino delgado. A linhagem Hubbard apresentou maiores comprimento e largura da tíbia, bem como maiores pesos relativo e absoluto da bursa. Concluiu-se que o estresse por calor a partir de 2 horas diárias modifica a estrutura da tíbia de frangos de corte, com aumento de seu comprimento e redução de sua largura, porém não há influência da exposição ao calor sobre o intestino delgado e órgãos linfoides. A linhagem Hubbard apresenta melhor desenvolvimento do osso tíbia em relação à Cobb, bem como respostas linfoides primárias diferentes, representada por maior peso da bursa.

Bone parameters and organ morphometry of two broiler chicken lines exposed to heat for different periods / Parâmetros ósseos e morfometria de órgãos de duas linhagens de frangos de corte mantidos sob diferentes tempos de exposição ao calor

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different times of exposure to heat on bone parameters and organ morphometry of Cobb Slow® and Hubbard Flex® broilers exposed to high temperatures for 1, 2 or 3 h daily, from 14 days of age. A total of 1120 one-day-old male chicks (half of each line; average weight of 44 g) were housed into 32 cages with 35 birds each, in a randomized-block experimental design. From the first to the 13th day of age, the birds remained under the thermal conditions recommended for their lines; thereafter, from the 14th day, the shed was separated into four parallel sections of 5.60 × 10.20 × 2.8 m delimited by double-sided plastic curtains along the width of the shed. Cyclic heat stress was generated by average temperatures of 36 ºC from 14-20 days, 35 °C from 21-27 days, 34 °C from 28-34 days and 33 °C from 35-42 days. The total length, width, density and mineral matter of the tibia; the size of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum; and the weights of the bursa of Fabricius and spleen were measured. No interaction effect between thermal environment and line was observed. Heat stress for up to 3 h daily, from the 14th to the 41st day of age, led to a longer but narrower tibia. There was no influence on small intestine morphometry. The Hubbard line presented longer and wider tibiae as well as higher relative and absolute weights of the bursa. In conclusion, heat stress from 2 h daily modifies the structure of the tibia in broilers, which increases in length and reduces in width, but heat exposure has no influence on the small intestine or lymphoid organs. The Hubbard line shows better tibia development than the Cobb line as well as different primary lymphoid responses, represented by a heavier bursa.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de diferentes tempos de exposição ao calor sobre os parâmetros ósseos e morfometria de órgãos de frango de corte Cobb Slow® e Hubbard Flex® expostos à temperatura elevada por 1h, 2h e 3h diárias a partir de 14 dias de idade. Foram alojados 1120 pintos de cortes machos de um dia, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos casualizados, sendo metade de cada linhagem (peso médio de 44g) em 32 boxes com 35 aves cada. Do primeiro ao 13º dia de idade as aves permaneceram em condições térmicas de acordo com o recomendado para a linhagem, a partir do 14º dia, o galpão foi separado em quatro seções paralelas de 5,60 x 10,20 x 2,8m delimitadas por cortinas plásticas dupla face ao longo da largura do galpão. O estresse cíclico por calor foi gerado com temperaturas médias de 14-20 dias: 36 ºC; 21-27 dias: 35 ºC; 28-34 dias: 34 ºC e 35-42 dias: 33 ºC. O comprimento total, largura, densidade e matéria mineral do osso tíbia; tamanho do duodeno, jejuno e íleo e o peso da bursa e do baço foram determinados. Não foi observado interação entre ambiente térmico e linhagens. O estresse por calor no período de até 3 horas diárias, do 14º ao 41º dia de idade aumentou o comprimento e reduziu a largura do osso tíbia. Não houve influência na morfometria do intestino delgado. A linhagem Hubbard apresentou maiores comprimento e largura da tíbia, bem como maiores pesos relativo e absoluto da bursa. Concluiu-se que o estresse por calor a partir de 2 horas diárias modifica a estrutura da tíbia de frangos de corte, com aumento de seu comprimento e redução de sua largura, porém não há influência da exposição ao calor sobre o intestino delgado e órgãos linfoides. A linhagem Hubbard apresenta melhor desenvolvimento do osso tíbia em relação à Cobb, bem como respostas linfoides primárias diferentes, representada por maior peso da bursa.(AU)

Índices de estresse térmico para touros jovens Nelore criados em ambiente tropical / Thermal stress indices in young Nellore bulls raised in tropical environments

Background: Thermal stress indices are important in predicting and choosing means for mitigating heat stress and defining critical environmental conditions for animal welfare and performance. The aim of this study was to determine theassociation between 16 thermal stress indices and thermophysiological variables in young Nellore bulls raised in a tropicalpasture to determine the most effective parameter of heat stress to assist in the management of the thermal environmentand animal welfare.Materials, Methods & Results: Seventy-eight young Nellore bulls (Bos taurus indicus), with a mean age of 10.5 monthsand mean body weight of 242.09 ± 32.17 kg at first collection, and 17.92 months and body weight 335.80 ± 39.02 kg atlast collection, were used. During the experimental period, rectal temperature (RT) and surface temperature at the forehead,scapula, and groin, from which the average surface temperature (AST) was calculated, were measured. The differencebetween the AST and air temperature (i.e., AST - AT) and between the RT and AST (i.e., RT - AST) defined the thermalgradient. For the evaluation of thermal environment, the dry bulb, wet bulb, and globe temperatures, and wind speed weremeasured. Relative humidity, mean radiant temperature, solar radiation, temperature humidity index (THI), black globaltemperature humidity index (BGHI), equivalent temperature index (ETI), environmental stress index (ESI), respiratory ratepredictor (PRR), heat load index (HLI), comprehensive climate index (CCI), and index of thermal stress for cows (ITSC)were calculated. The average and maximum air temperatures were above thermal comfort levels, while the average relativehumidity was within the ideal limit for cattle. The average globe temperature was higher than the air temperature. Solarradiation presented very high values and wind speeds were very low. RT indicated normothermia in the cattle, and ASTand thermal gradient (i.e., AST - AT) indicated thermal comfort...(AU)

What is the best temperature-humidity index equation to indicate heat stress in crossbred dairy calves in a tropical environment? / Qual a melhor equação do índice de temperatura e umidade para indicar estresse por calor em bezerros leiteiros mestiços em ambiente tropical?

The aim of this study was to determine among nine temperature-humidity index (THI) equations, the one that best represents the effects of heat stress on crossbred dairy calves reared in a tropical environment. Twelve male and female calves, aged 20 to 60 days, and raised in a tropical pen were evaluated. Respiratory (RR) and heart rates (HR), rectal (RT), body surface (BST), dry bulb (Tdb) and wet bulb (Tbw) temperatures, partial vapor pressure (Pv), relative humidity (RH) and dew point temperature (Tpo) were quantified in the morning and afternoon. Nine THI equations were calculated. The highest correlation between physiological variables and this was used to select the best THI equation. Averages for nine THI equations, Tdb, Twb, Pv, Tdp, RR, HR, RT, and BST were higher in the afternoon than in the morning, whereas that for RH was the opposite. The highest values for RT occurred at temperatures above 26.4°C and when humidity was below 55.5%. The Tdb and Pv correlations with RR (0.697 and 0.707), RT (0.703 and 0.706) and BST (0.818 and 0.817) were significant and positive, whereas the RH correlations with the same physiological variables were significant and negative (-0.622, -0.590 and -0.638, respectively). The best index was the THI sensible heat-based ( THI=3.43+1.058xTdb−0.293xRH+0.0164xTdbxRH+35.7 ), which was significantly correlated with RR (r=0.668 and r²=0.446), HR (r=0.259 and r²=0.067), RT (r=0.693 and r²=0.479) and BST (r=0.807 and r²=0.650). In conclusion, the THI sensible heat-based equation best represents the effects of heat stress on crossbred dairy calves reared in a tropical environment.(AU)

Objetivou-se determinar dentre nove equações do ITU a que melhor representa os efeitos do estresse por calor para bezerros leiteiros mestiços criados em ambiente tropical. Foram avaliados 12 bezerros, machos e fêmeas, com idade de 20 a 60 dias, criados no bezerreiro tropical. As frequências respiratória (FR) e cardíaca (FC), as temperaturas retal (TR), corporal superficial (TCS), de bulbo seco (Tbs) e de bulbo úmido (Tbu) foram quantificadas pela manhã e tarde. Calcularam-se nove equações do ITU. Utilizou-se como critério de determinação da melhor equação do ITU, a maior correlação entre as variáveis fisiológicas com os ITUs. As médias das nove equações de ITU, Tbs, Tbu, Pv, Tpo, FR, FC, TR e TCS foram superiores pela tarde em comparação ao turno da manhã, enquanto que a UR teve comportamento inverso. Os maiores valores de temperatura retal foram observados em temperaturas acima de 26,4 °C e umidade inferior a 55,5%. As correlações entre Tbs e Pv com a FR (0,697 e 0,707), TR (0,703 e 0,706) e TCS (0,818 e 0,817) foram significativas e positivas, enquanto que as correlações da UR, com essas mesmas variáveis fisiológicas, foram significativas e negativas (-0,622, -0,590 e -0,638, respectivamente). O melhor índice foi o ITU calor sensível ( ITU=3,43+1,058xTdb−0,293xRH+0,0164xTdbxRH+35,7 ), que se correlacionou significativamente com a frequência respiratória (r=0,668 e r²=0,446), frequência cardíaca (r=0,259 e r²=0,067), temperatura retal (r=0,693 e r²=0,479) e temperatura corporal superficial (r=0,807 e r²=0,650). Conclui-se que a equação do ITU calor sensível é a que melhor representa os efeitos do estresse por calor dos bezerros leiteiros mestiços em ambiente tropical.(AU)

Efeito das estações do ano e da idade sobre as variáveis termofisiológicas e hematológicas de bezerros leiteiros mestiços em ambiente tropical / Effect of season and age on thermophysiological and hematological variables of crossbred dairy calves in tropical environment

Background: The wellbeing and performance of calves may be impaired if raised in high temperature environments. Physiological and hematological variables serve as a tool to assess the welfare of cattle; therefore, the influence of seasons and age on physiological and hematological variables was evaluated of crossbred dairy calves in a tropical environment.Materials, Methods & Results: Forty-two male and female calves were evaluated from July 2016 to July 2017, when the calves were of 2, 15, 30, and 60 days of age. Respiratory (RR) and heart rates (HR) and rectal (RT) and body surface (BST) temperatures were quantified in the morning. Additionally, in the morning, dry bulb (Tdb) and wet bulb (Twb) temperatures were measured, and then, relative humidity (RH) and a temperature-humidity index (THI) were calculated. Blood was collected to perform hemogram. The day before the calves were evaluated, thermal environment data were collected to verify whether there were cyclic periods of heat stress. The mean air temperature ranged from 19°C to 22.1°C, and the highest THI value of 68 occurred in the summer mornings. In the afternoon, the maximum air temperature ranged from 27.5°C to 29.7°C. In autumn, respiratory and heart rates and body surface temperature were higher in 2-day-old calves than in other ages. The body surface temperature of 60-day-old calves was higher in spring and summer than in autumn. Rectal temperature remained in the normal range throughout the study period. Season did not influence the erythrogram and plaquetogram. The values for red blood cells, MCV, MCHC, RDW, platelets, and MPV varied among the calf ages. Season did not influence the values of leukocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, or N/L ratio; however, band neutrophils and eosinophils varied among seasons. Band neutrophils and monocytes were not altered by age, whereas leukocyte, segmented neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and N/L ratio values varied with age among the calves.[...]

Índices de estresse térmico para touros jovens Nelore criados em ambiente tropical / Thermal stress indices in young Nellore bulls raised in tropical environments

Background: Thermal stress indices are important in predicting and choosing means for mitigating heat stress and defining critical environmental conditions for animal welfare and performance. The aim of this study was to determine theassociation between 16 thermal stress indices and thermophysiological variables in young Nellore bulls raised in a tropicalpasture to determine the most effective parameter of heat stress to assist in the management of the thermal environmentand animal welfare.Materials, Methods & Results: Seventy-eight young Nellore bulls (Bos taurus indicus), with a mean age of 10.5 monthsand mean body weight of 242.09 ± 32.17 kg at first collection, and 17.92 months and body weight 335.80 ± 39.02 kg atlast collection, were used. During the experimental period, rectal temperature (RT) and surface temperature at the forehead,scapula, and groin, from which the average surface temperature (AST) was calculated, were measured. The differencebetween the AST and air temperature (i.e., AST - AT) and between the RT and AST (i.e., RT - AST) defined the thermalgradient. For the evaluation of thermal environment, the dry bulb, wet bulb, and globe temperatures, and wind speed weremeasured. Relative humidity, mean radiant temperature, solar radiation, temperature humidity index (THI), black globaltemperature humidity index (BGHI), equivalent temperature index (ETI), environmental stress index (ESI), respiratory ratepredictor (PRR), heat load index (HLI), comprehensive climate index (CCI), and index of thermal stress for cows (ITSC)were calculated. The average and maximum air temperatures were above thermal comfort levels, while the average relativehumidity was within the ideal limit for cattle. The average globe temperature was higher than the air temperature. Solarradiation presented very high values and wind speeds were very low. RT indicated normothermia in the cattle, and ASTand thermal gradient (i.e., AST - AT) indicated thermal comfort...

Efeito das estações do ano e da idade sobre as variáveis termofisiológicas e hematológicas de bezerros leiteiros mestiços em ambiente tropical / Effect of season and age on thermophysiological and hematological variables of crossbred dairy calves in tropical environment

Background: The wellbeing and performance of calves may be impaired if raised in high temperature environments. Physiological and hematological variables serve as a tool to assess the welfare of cattle; therefore, the influence of seasons and age on physiological and hematological variables was evaluated of crossbred dairy calves in a tropical environment.Materials, Methods & Results: Forty-two male and female calves were evaluated from July 2016 to July 2017, when the calves were of 2, 15, 30, and 60 days of age. Respiratory (RR) and heart rates (HR) and rectal (RT) and body surface (BST) temperatures were quantified in the morning. Additionally, in the morning, dry bulb (Tdb) and wet bulb (Twb) temperatures were measured, and then, relative humidity (RH) and a temperature-humidity index (THI) were calculated. Blood was collected to perform hemogram. The day before the calves were evaluated, thermal environment data were collected to verify whether there were cyclic periods of heat stress. The mean air temperature ranged from 19°C to 22.1°C, and the highest THI value of 68 occurred in the summer mornings. In the afternoon, the maximum air temperature ranged from 27.5°C to 29.7°C. In autumn, respiratory and heart rates and body surface temperature were higher in 2-day-old calves than in other ages. The body surface temperature of 60-day-old calves was higher in spring and summer than in autumn. Rectal temperature remained in the normal range throughout the study period. Season did not influence the erythrogram and plaquetogram. The values for red blood cells, MCV, MCHC, RDW, platelets, and MPV varied among the calf ages. Season did not influence the values of leukocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, or N/L ratio; however, band neutrophils and eosinophils varied among seasons. Band neutrophils and monocytes were not altered by age, whereas leukocyte, segmented neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and N/L ratio values varied with age among the calves.[...](AU)

What is the best temperature-humidity index equation to indicate heat stress in crossbred dairy calves in a tropical environment? / Qual a melhor equação do índice de temperatura e umidade para indicar estresse por calor em bezerros leiteiros mestiços em ambiente tropical?

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to determine among nine temperature-humidity index (THI) equations, the one that best represents the effects of heat stress on crossbred dairy calves reared in a tropical environment. Twelve male and female calves, aged 20 to 60 days, and raised in a tropical pen were evaluated. Respiratory (RR) and heart rates (HR), rectal (RT), body surface (BST), dry bulb (Tdb) and wet bulb (Tbw) temperatures, partial vapor pressure (Pv), relative humidity (RH) and dew point temperature (Tpo) were quantified in the morning and afternoon. Nine THI equations were calculated. The highest correlation between physiological variables and this was used to select the best THI equation. Averages for nine THI equations, Tdb, Twb, Pv, Tdp, RR, HR, RT, and BST were higher in the afternoon than in the morning, whereas that for RH was the opposite. The highest values for RT occurred at temperatures above 26.4°C and when humidity was below 55.5%. The Tdb and Pv correlations with RR (0.697 and 0.707), RT (0.703 and 0.706) and BST (0.818 and 0.817) were significant and positive, whereas the RH correlations with the same physiological variables were significant and negative (-0.622, -0.590 and -0.638, respectively). The best index was the THI sensible heat-based ( T H I = 3.43 + 1.058 x T d b - 0.293 x R H + 0.0164 x T d b x R H + 35.7), which was significantly correlated with RR (r=0.668 and r²=0.446), HR (r=0.259 and r²=0.067), RT (r=0.693 and r²=0.479) and BST (r=0.807 and r²=0.650). In conclusion, the THI sensible heat-based equation best represents the effects of heat stress on crossbred dairy calves reared in a tropical environment.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se determinar dentre nove equações do ITU a que melhor representa os efeitos do estresse por calor para bezerros leiteiros mestiços criados em ambiente tropical. Foram avaliados 12 bezerros, machos e fêmeas, com idade de 20 a 60 dias, criados no bezerreiro tropical. As frequências respiratória (FR) e cardíaca (FC), as temperaturas retal (TR), corporal superficial (TCS), de bulbo seco (Tbs) e de bulbo úmido (Tbu) foram quantificadas pela manhã e tarde. Calcularam-se nove equações do ITU. Utilizou-se como critério de determinação da melhor equação do ITU, a maior correlação entre as variáveis fisiológicas com os ITUs. As médias das nove equações de ITU, Tbs, Tbu, Pv, Tpo, FR, FC, TR e TCS foram superiores pela tarde em comparação ao turno da manhã, enquanto que a UR teve comportamento inverso. Os maiores valores de temperatura retal foram observados em temperaturas acima de 26,4 °C e umidade inferior a 55,5%. As correlações entre Tbs e Pv com a FR (0,697 e 0,707), TR (0,703 e 0,706) e TCS (0,818 e 0,817) foram significativas e positivas, enquanto que as correlações da UR, com essas mesmas variáveis fisiológicas, foram significativas e negativas (-0,622, -0,590 e -0,638, respectivamente). O melhor índice foi o ITU calor sensível ( I T U = 3,43 + 1,058 x T d b - 0,293 x R H + 0,0164 x T d b x R H + 35,7), que se correlacionou significativamente com a frequência respiratória (r=0,668 e r²=0,446), frequência cardíaca (r=0,259 e r²=0,067), temperatura retal (r=0,693 e r²=0,479) e temperatura corporal superficial (r=0,807 e r²=0,650). Conclui-se que a equação do ITU calor sensível é a que melhor representa os efeitos do estresse por calor dos bezerros leiteiros mestiços em ambiente tropical.

Tibia bone integrity in broilers subjected to cyclic heat stress / Integridade óssea de tíbias de frangos de corte submetidos ao estresse cíclico de calor

Macroscopic and microscopic changes in the epiphyseal region of the tibia were recorded in the 42nd day of life of broilers subjected to one-hour heat stress in different rearing phases. The treatments comprised both broilers reared under room temperature and humidity conditions from the 1st to the 42nd day of life (control) and broilers subjected to heat stress from the 16th to the 21st, from the 22nd to the 42nd, and from the 16th to the 42nd day of life. The adopted design was completely randomized with six replicates; 35 broilers were used in each experimental unit. Fragments from the epiphyseal region were extracted and sectioned lengthwise for macro and microscopic analyses. Data on tibia lesion scores were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis test at 5%. The one-hour cyclic heat stress did not change the morphologic integrity in the epiphyseal region of the tibia in the different treatments. Broilers subjected to one-hour cyclic heat stress did not develop lesions that suggested tibial dyschondroplasia, regardless of the rearing phase.

Foram estudadas alterações macroscópicas e microscópicas na região epifisária da tíbia no 42º dia de frangos de corte submetidos ao estresse cíclico de calor por uma hora em diferentes fases de criação. Os tratamentos compreenderam aves criadas em condições naturais de temperatura e umidade relativa do primeiro ao 42º dia de idade (controle), ou estressadas por calor do 16º ao 21º dia, do 22º ao 42º dia e do 16º ao 42º dia. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com seis repetições sendo 35 aves por unidade experimental. Para análises macro e microscópicas da tíbia, fragmentos da região epifisária foram extraídos e seccionados longitudinalmente. Os dados de escores de lesões tibiais foram analisados pelo teste de Kruskall Wallis a 5%. O estresse cíclico por calor por uma hora não alterou a integridade morfológica da região epifisária da tíbia nos diferentes tratamentos. Frangos de corte submetidos por uma hora diária ao estresse de calor não desenvolvem lesões sugestivas de discondroplasia tibial independente da fase de criação.

Tibia bone integrity in broilers subjected to cyclic heat stress / Integridade óssea de tíbias de frangos de corte submetidos ao estresse cíclico de calor

Macroscopic and microscopic changes in the epiphyseal region of the tibia were recorded in the 42nd day of life of broilers subjected to one-hour heat stress in different rearing phases. The treatments comprised both broilers reared under room temperature and humidity conditions from the 1st to the 42nd day of life (control) and broilers subjected to heat stress from the 16th to the 21st, from the 22nd to the 42nd, and from the 16th to the 42nd day of life. The adopted design was completely randomized with six replicates; 35 broilers were used in each experimental unit. Fragments from the epiphyseal region were extracted and sectioned lengthwise for macro and microscopic analyses. Data on tibia lesion scores were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis test at 5%. The one-hour cyclic heat stress did not change the morphologic integrity in the epiphyseal region of the tibia in the different treatments. Broilers subjected to one-hour cyclic heat stress did not develop lesions that suggested tibial dyschondroplasia, regardless of the rearing phase.(AU)

Foram estudadas alterações macroscópicas e microscópicas na região epifisária da tíbia no 42º dia de frangos de corte submetidos ao estresse cíclico de calor por uma hora em diferentes fases de criação. Os tratamentos compreenderam aves criadas em condições naturais de temperatura e umidade relativa do primeiro ao 42º dia de idade (controle), ou estressadas por calor do 16º ao 21º dia, do 22º ao 42º dia e do 16º ao 42º dia. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com seis repetições sendo 35 aves por unidade experimental. Para análises macro e microscópicas da tíbia, fragmentos da região epifisária foram extraídos e seccionados longitudinalmente. Os dados de escores de lesões tibiais foram analisados pelo teste de Kruskall Wallis a 5%. O estresse cíclico por calor por uma hora não alterou a integridade morfológica da região epifisária da tíbia nos diferentes tratamentos. Frangos de corte submetidos por uma hora diária ao estresse de calor não desenvolvem lesões sugestivas de discondroplasia tibial independente da fase de criação.(AU)

Effect of age and cyclical heat stress on the serum biochemical profile of broiler chickens / Influência da idade e do estresse cíclico de calor no perfil bioquímico sérico em frangos de corte

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of age and cyclical heat stress for 1 hour per day on the levels of serum proteins, metabolites, and enzymes in broiler chickens of 21-42 days of age. We used 420 male broiler chickens, Cobb Avian48TM breed, in a completely randomized experimental design, composed of two treatments and six replicates. The treatments consisted of two thermal environments: one in which broiler chickens were raised under natural conditions of temperature and humidity for the first 42 days of age (control) and another in which chickens were subjected to heat stress at 36°C, from days 16 to 42, for 1 hour per day (1200-1300 hours). At 21, 28, 35, and 42 days of age, approximately 5 mL of blood was collected by cardiac puncture in two birds per replicate. In each serum sample, levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin:globulin ratio, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity and uric acid, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and glucose levels were determined. Concerning the environment and the age, no significant differences in the levels of glucose, uric acid, ALT, triglycerides, and very low density lipoproteins were observed. There was a significant interaction between the environment and the age for cholesterol and LDL values. At 21 days of age, cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) were higher in birds under stress than in the control treatment birds, which did not occur in other age groups. Aspartate aminotransferase activity was higher in chickens under cyclical heat stress than in chickens subjected to control treatment and displayed a cubic response regarding the environment. The age of the birds influenced the values of total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio, creatinine, GGT, and HDL...

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da idade e do estresse cíclico por calor durante uma hora por dia, nas concentrações das proteínas, metabólitos e enzimas séricas em frangos de corte de 21 a 42 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 420 pintos de corte machos, da linhagem Cobb Avian48TM, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, composto de dois tratamentos e seis repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de dois ambientes térmicos: um para frangos de corte criados em condições naturais de temperatura e umidade do primeiro ao 42° dia de idade (controle); e outro para estressados por calor à 36 °C do 16° ao 42° dia, durante uma hora do dia (12h00m às 13h00m). No 21º, 28º, 35º e 42º dias de idade, foram coletados em duas aves por repetição aproximadamente 5mL de sangue por punção cardíaca. Foram determinadas em cada amostra de soro as concentrações de proteína total, albumina, globulinas, relação A/G, aspartato aminotransferase, alanina aminotransferase, gama glutamiltransferase, ácido úrico, creatinina, colesterol total, triacilgliceróis, lipoproteínas de alta densidade, lipoproteínas de muito baixa densidade, lipoproteínas de baixa densidade e glicose. Para as concentrações de glicose, ácido úrico, alanina aminotransferase, triacilgliceróis e lipoproteínas de muito baixa densidade, não houve diferenças significativas para ambiente e idade. Observou-se interação significativa entre ambiente e idade para os valores de colesterol e lipoproteínas de baixa densidade. Aos 21 dias de idade o colesterol e as LDL-C foram maiores nas aves em estresse comparados àquelas do tratamento controle, o que não ocorreu nas demais idades. A aspartato aminotransferase nos frangos sob estresse cíclico de calor foi maior em comparação ao tratamento controle e apresentou efeito cúbico para ambiente. A idade das aves influenciou os valores de proteínas totais, albumina, globulina, albumina: globulina, creatinina, gama glutamiltransferase e das lipoproteínas de alta densidade...

Effect of age and cyclical heat stress on the serum biochemical profile of broiler chickens / Influência da idade e do estresse cíclico de calor no perfil bioquímico sérico em frangos de corte

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of age and cyclical heat stress for 1 hour per day on the levels of serum proteins, metabolites, and enzymes in broiler chickens of 21-42 days of age. We used 420 male broiler chickens, Cobb Avian48TM breed, in a completely randomized experimental design, composed of two treatments and six replicates. The treatments consisted of two thermal environments: one in which broiler chickens were raised under natural conditions of temperature and humidity for the first 42 days of age (control) and another in which chickens were subjected to heat stress at 36°C, from days 16 to 42, for 1 hour per day (1200-1300 hours). At 21, 28, 35, and 42 days of age, approximately 5 mL of blood was collected by cardiac puncture in two birds per replicate. In each serum sample, levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin:globulin ratio, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity and uric acid, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and glucose levels were determined. Concerning the environment and the age, no significant differences in the levels of glucose, uric acid, ALT, triglycerides, and very low density lipoproteins were observed. There was a significant interaction between the environment and the age for cholesterol and LDL values. At 21 days of age, cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) were higher in birds under stress than in the control treatment birds, which did not occur in other age groups. Aspartate aminotransferase activity was higher in chickens under cyclical heat stress than in chickens subjected to control treatment and displayed a cubic response regarding the environment. The age of the birds influenced the values of total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio, creatinine, GGT, and HDL...(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da idade e do estresse cíclico por calor durante uma hora por dia, nas concentrações das proteínas, metabólitos e enzimas séricas em frangos de corte de 21 a 42 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 420 pintos de corte machos, da linhagem Cobb Avian48TM, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, composto de dois tratamentos e seis repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de dois ambientes térmicos: um para frangos de corte criados em condições naturais de temperatura e umidade do primeiro ao 42° dia de idade (controle); e outro para estressados por calor à 36 °C do 16° ao 42° dia, durante uma hora do dia (12h00m às 13h00m). No 21º, 28º, 35º e 42º dias de idade, foram coletados em duas aves por repetição aproximadamente 5mL de sangue por punção cardíaca. Foram determinadas em cada amostra de soro as concentrações de proteína total, albumina, globulinas, relação A/G, aspartato aminotransferase, alanina aminotransferase, gama glutamiltransferase, ácido úrico, creatinina, colesterol total, triacilgliceróis, lipoproteínas de alta densidade, lipoproteínas de muito baixa densidade, lipoproteínas de baixa densidade e glicose. Para as concentrações de glicose, ácido úrico, alanina aminotransferase, triacilgliceróis e lipoproteínas de muito baixa densidade, não houve diferenças significativas para ambiente e idade. Observou-se interação significativa entre ambiente e idade para os valores de colesterol e lipoproteínas de baixa densidade. Aos 21 dias de idade o colesterol e as LDL-C foram maiores nas aves em estresse comparados àquelas do tratamento controle, o que não ocorreu nas demais idades. A aspartato aminotransferase nos frangos sob estresse cíclico de calor foi maior em comparação ao tratamento controle e apresentou efeito cúbico para ambiente. A idade das aves influenciou os valores de proteínas totais, albumina, globulina, albumina: globulina, creatinina, gama glutamiltransferase e das lipoproteínas de alta densidade...(AU)

Effect of season on haircoat characteristics and physiological parameters of Holstein-Gyr x Guzerá crossed heifers / Efeito da estação do ano nas características do pelame e parâmetros fisiológicos em novilhas cruzadas Holandês-Gir x Guzerá

This study aimed to investigate haircoat characteristics and physiological parameters in summer and winter, morning and afternoon periods, of Holstein-Gyr x Guzerá crossed heifers in tropical environment. For this, twenty crossbred dairy heifers (Holstein-Gyr x Guzerá), reared in the city of Ibiá, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Haircoat thickness, i.e. distance from skin surface until hairend, average hair length, number of hairs per unit area, hair angle to the skin surface, cardiac and respiratory rates, rectal and body surface temperatures were measured. Data underwent analysis of variance and the means were compared by F test at 5% significance, except heart and respiratory rates and skin temperature within the season, which were compared by Mann Whitney test at 5%. For rectal temperature, the maximum value found was 39.53 °C in the summer afternoon. In the afternoon, rectal temperature was higher in summer compared to winter. Respiratory and heart rates and coat surface temperature were higher in the summer (34.00 movements min-1; 78.60 beats min-1; 37.97 °C respectively) compared to the winter (27.47 movements minutes -1; 58.72 beats min-1; 34,94ºC, respectively). Haircoat thickness and hair length were larger in winter (0.73; 1.82 cm, respectively) compared to summer (0.49; 1.11 cm, respectively). We concluded that the season of the year and day period interfere with most of the physiological parameters for thermoregulation and haircoat characteristics of crossbred heifers (Holstein-Gyr x Guzerá); however, they keep homeothermy, therefore are adapted to the region, and may be an alternative to be used by farmers of this region.(AU)

Objetivou-se neste estudo investigar as características morfológicas do pelame e parâmetros fisiológicos no verão e no inverno, pela manhã e tarde, em novilhas cruzadas Holandês-Gir x Guzerá em ambiente tropical. Para isso, utilizaram-se 20 novilhas leiteiras mestiças oriundas do cruzamento de vacas cruzadas Holandês-Gir com touro da raça Guzerá, criadas no município de Ibiá, Minas Gerais. A espessura do pelame, ou seja, distância da epiderme até a superfície superior da capa dos pelos, comprimento médio dos pelos, número de pelos por unidade de área, ângulo de inclinação dos pelos em relação à superfície da epiderme, frequências cardíaca e respiratória, temperaturas retal e da superfície corporal foram mensuradas. Realizou-se análise de variância e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste F a 5%, exceto frequências cardíaca e respiratória e temperatura superficial dentro da estação, que foram comparadas pelo teste Mann Whitney a 5%. Para temperatura retal o valor máximo encontrado foi de 39,53°C no verão, à tarde. À tarde a temperatura retal foi maior no verão em relação ao inverno. As frequências respiratória e cardíaca e temperatura de superfície do pelame foram maiores no verão (34,00 movimentos minuto-1, 78,60 batimentos minuto-1, 37,97°C, respectivamente) em relação ao inverno (27,47 movimentos minuto-1, 58,72 batimentos minuto-1, 34,94ºC, respectivamente). A espessura e comprimento do pelame apresentaram-se maiores no inverno (0,73; 1,82 cm, respectivamente) em relação ao verão (0,49; 1,11 cm, respectivamente). A estação do ano e o turno interferem na maioria dos parâmetros fisiológicos de termorregulação e características de pelame de bezerras Holandês-Gir x Guzerá, entretanto, mantem a homeotermia e, portanto, são adaptadas a região, podendo ser uma alternativa a ser utilizada pelos criadores desta região.(AU)

Melhor índice de estresse térmico para novilhas leiteiras mestiças / Most appropriate heat stress index for half-blood dairy heifers

Background: Heat stress indexes integrate several variables of the thermal environment in a single figure and predict their impact on animal welfare and performance. The correct interpretation of these indexes is of help in the choice of more adequate measures to attenuate the stress caused by the heat. Therefore, the aim of this research is to examine some of the heat stress indexes mentioned in the literature and to decide which ones best reflect the potential impact of meteorological conditions on the thermal homeostasis of half-blood dairy heifers bred in Uberlândia, Triângulo Mineiro area, Minas Gerais, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: Eight half-blood dairy heifers were exposed to direct sunlight from 9 h to 13 h in the months of November and December of 2016, and also January and February of 2017, 5 days per month on average, in Uberlândia, MG, Brazil. After this challenge, the respiratory rate and the rectal temperature were measured. Simultaneously to the collection of physiological variables, the temperatures of dry bulb and wet bulb, as well as that of black globe, were quantified, as was the wind speed. Afterwards, the solar radiation, the relative humidity, the mean radiant temperature and some heat stress indexes were calculated, the latter being Temperature-Humidity Index, Black Globe-Humidity Index, Equivalent Temperature Index, Environmental Stress Index, Respiratory Rate Index, Thermal Load Index, Environmental Specification Index, Thermal Comfort Index for Dairy Cattle, Comprehensive Climate Index and Cattle Heat Stress Index. These indexes were, then, correlated with the physiological variables. The averages of room temperature, black globe temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, radiant temperature and relative humidity were, respectively, 29.96°C, 41.73°C, 831.02 W/m2 , 0.11 m/s-1, 318.14 K and 50.51%. Rectal temperature averaged 38.8ºC while respiratory rate averaged 41.97 breaths per minute-1.[...]