Cold Stress in Cattle: A Risk for Production in Chile

Experts warn about "cold stress" in cattle, a factor that reduces production and affects animal health.

A silent but significant threat looms over dairy production in southern Chile: cold stress. This phenomenon, described by Jorge Osorio from Universidad Austral de Chile (UACh), is not limited to low temperatures. The real threat lies in the combination of cold, humidity, and wind, a trio that directly affects the physiology of dairy cows, reducing their performance and causing economic losses for dairy producers.

The main consequence of cold stress is the decrease in milk production. To maintain their body temperature in hostile environments, cows divert a large amount of metabolic energy that would normally be used to produce milk. This physiological adaptation results in a tangible drop in production volume and, in the long run, can compromise the herd's reproductive efficiency, negatively impacting profitability.

Calves are the most vulnerable livestock to this threat. Their still-immature immune systems make them extremely susceptible to cold and humidity, factors that drastically increase the risk of respiratory diseases like pneumonia and diarrhea, which are the leading causes of mortality in calves. Adequate management to protect them from the cold is crucial for the viability and future health of the herd.

To mitigate this impact, nutritional management and environmental control are key. Experts recommend adjusting cattle diets by increasing the energy density of the feed so cows can generate more metabolic heat. Additionally, providing a protected environment with adequate shelters, windbreaks, and dry bedding is essential to prevent animals from losing body heat due to moisture contact.