Abstract
Eleven non-lactating Holstein cows of 8–10 years of age and 12 female Holstein calves of 5–6 months of age were maintained, during winter season, in the climatic laboratory for 3 days at thermoneutral climate (18.3°C, 50% RH) followed by 3 days at hot climate (32.2°C, 50% RH). Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Whole body40K counting, nitrogen balance, body weight and rectal temperature were taken on the third day on each animal at the climatic exposures mentioned above. Body potassium decreased significantly in cows (p < 0.01) but not in calves. Nitrogen retention decreased with heat exposure in cows and calves (p < 0.01) and the balance was negative in cows but positive in calves. In cows, body weight decreased with heat exposure 1.81%, significantly (p < 0.05), but it did not change significantly in calves. The final rise in body temperature under hot climate was significant in cows and calves (p < 0.01), being 0.82°C and 1.07°C, respectively. The heat-induced changes, except the rise in body temperature, were significantly different in cows from those in calves. These results indicate that calves are more heat tolerant than cows on the basis of catabolic reactions but not on rectal temperature rise.
Zusammenfassung
Während des Winters wurden 11 nicht laktierende Holstein Kühe im Alter von 8–10 Jahren und 12 Holstein Kälber im Alter von 5–6 Monaten 3 Tage lang zunächst in thermoneutralem Klima (18,3°C, 50% RF) und danach 3 Tage in der Hitze bei 32,2°C und 50% RF gehalten. In der Hitze fiel das Körper-Kalium bei den Kühen signifikant (p < 0,01) ab, nicht aber bei den Kälbern. Bei beiden fiel die Stickstoffretention signifikant (p < 0,01) ab, und die Bilanz wurde bei den Kühen negativ, nicht aber bei den Kälbern. Das Körpergewicht der Kühe fiel 1,81% (p < 0,05), das der Kälber blieb unbeeinflusst. Die Körpertemperatur war am Ende bei den Kühen 0,82°C und bei den Kälbern 1,07°C höher (p < 0,01). Dies spricht dafür, dass die Kälber in Hinsicht auf die katabolischen Reaktionen eine höhere Hitzetoleranz haben als die Kühe.
Resume
11 vaches de race Holstein âgées de 8 à 10 ans, mais hors de lactation et 12 génisses de 5 à 6 mois de la même race ont été placées, durant l'hiver, en atmosphère contrôlée. Elles ont passé tout d'abord 3 jours en climat neutre (18,3°C et 50% d'humidité relative), puis 3 jours dans une atmosphère chaude (32,2°C et 40% h.r.). On leur a donné à manger et à boire ad libitum. A la fin de chacune de ces périodes, on a mesuré pour chaque animal la teneur en40K, le bilan d'azote, le poids et la température rectale. Le taux de potasse a diminué de façon significative chez les vaches (p < 0,01), mais pas chez les génisses. La rétention d'azote décrofît avec le chaud tant chez les vaches que chez les génisses (p <0,01) et son bilan est négatif chez les vaches, positif chez les génisses. Le poids des vaches a diminué de 1,81% (significatif à p < 0,05), mais ne s'est pas modifié de façon significative chez les génisses. La température s'est élevée de 0,82°C chez les vaches et de 1,07°C chez les génisses (significatif tous les deux à p < 0,01). Toutes les répercussions d'une exposition au chaud on été significatives entre vaches et génisses, à l'exception de la température du corps. Ceci montre que les génisses offrent une plus grande tolérance à la chaleur que les vaches si l'on se base sur leurs réactions cataboliques, mais pas selon la température rectale.
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Contribution from the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station, Journal Series No. 6037.
On a leave at the University of Missouri.
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Kamal, T.H., Clark, J.L. & Johnson, H.D. The effect of age on heat tolerance in cattle as determined by the whole body40K and nitrogen retention. Int J Biometeorol 14, 301–307 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01742074
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01742074