USDA Grant Fuels MSU Research on Heat Stress in Dairy Cattle
Source: DairyNews.today
Mississippi State University (MSU) is advancing critical research into mitigating heat stress in dairy cattle, a nationwide challenge that costs the dairy industry an estimated $1.5 billion annually due to lost production.
This effort is supported by a $300,000 New Investigator Seed Grant awarded by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, as announced by MSU.
The research, conducted by MSU's Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES), in collaboration with the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing, and Biotechnology, aims to address the crosstalk between rumen microbiota and the enteric and central nervous systems in dairy cattle exposed to heat stress. This two-year study seeks to unlock new strategies to mitigate the impact of heat stress by targeting what researchers are calling the "rumen-brain-microbiome axis." The findings will be shared with dairy producers to help improve herd management during extreme weather conditions.
Leading the research initiative is Dr. Peixin Fan, assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, supported by a team of experts including Caleb Lemley, Derris Devost-Burnett, and Rhonda Vann. Together, they aim to shed light on the physiological effects of heat stress on dairy cattle, particularly in regions with hot and humid climates like the Southeastern U.S.
“Dairy cows produce significant amounts of heat during lactation and sweat less efficiently than humans, making them highly vulnerable to heat stress,” explained Dr. Fan. “Heat stress not only reduces appetite and impacts rumen fermentation but also affects milk production. Our study focuses on how gastrointestinal microbes, which are responsible for nutrient extraction and energy production, may influence cow behavior through neuroactive compounds.”
The research is expected to be a game-changer for dairy producers, particularly those in the Southern U.S., where heat stress is a persistent issue. Dr. Lemley emphasized the importance of innovative solutions, stating, “While cooling strategies like sprinklers and fans can improve performance, our knowledge of the relationship between heat stress and gut microbial communities remains limited. Dr. Fan’s research has the potential to fill this gap and provide new insights for enhancing animal resilience.”
As the dairy industry grapples with the effects of climate change and increasing temperatures, this research marks a significant step toward sustainable solutions that can benefit both producers and animals alike.
The research, conducted by MSU's Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES), in collaboration with the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing, and Biotechnology, aims to address the crosstalk between rumen microbiota and the enteric and central nervous systems in dairy cattle exposed to heat stress. This two-year study seeks to unlock new strategies to mitigate the impact of heat stress by targeting what researchers are calling the "rumen-brain-microbiome axis." The findings will be shared with dairy producers to help improve herd management during extreme weather conditions.
Leading the research initiative is Dr. Peixin Fan, assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, supported by a team of experts including Caleb Lemley, Derris Devost-Burnett, and Rhonda Vann. Together, they aim to shed light on the physiological effects of heat stress on dairy cattle, particularly in regions with hot and humid climates like the Southeastern U.S.
“Dairy cows produce significant amounts of heat during lactation and sweat less efficiently than humans, making them highly vulnerable to heat stress,” explained Dr. Fan. “Heat stress not only reduces appetite and impacts rumen fermentation but also affects milk production. Our study focuses on how gastrointestinal microbes, which are responsible for nutrient extraction and energy production, may influence cow behavior through neuroactive compounds.”
The research is expected to be a game-changer for dairy producers, particularly those in the Southern U.S., where heat stress is a persistent issue. Dr. Lemley emphasized the importance of innovative solutions, stating, “While cooling strategies like sprinklers and fans can improve performance, our knowledge of the relationship between heat stress and gut microbial communities remains limited. Dr. Fan’s research has the potential to fill this gap and provide new insights for enhancing animal resilience.”
As the dairy industry grapples with the effects of climate change and increasing temperatures, this research marks a significant step toward sustainable solutions that can benefit both producers and animals alike.
