THE IMPACT OF WEATHER CONDITIONS ON THE WELFARE AND PRODUCTIVITY OF DAIRY COWS

Abstract

Global climate change and increasing average air temperatures have a substantial impact on dairy farming productivity. Under heat stress caused by high temperatures, dairy cows may suffer serious adverse effects that compromise not only milk yields but also overall animal health. Research indicates that rising environmental temperatures can reduce productivity and impair reproductive functions in cows [1–2]. In Ukraine, examining the effects of temperature fluctuations on cow productivity is particularly pertinent, as high summer temperatures have been shown to significantly reduce milk yields, especially in the Brown Swiss breed [3]. Heat stress is a critical challenge to dairy production efficiency, as reduced productivity in cows can result in economic losses for livestock farmers. Optimising microclimatic conditions within livestock facilities is therefore essential for effective dairy farm management. It is well established that inadequate ventilation and high indoor temperatures degrade air quality, which in turn adversely affects animal health [4–5]. Consequently, research into the adaptation of dairy cows to high temperatures in industrial settings is a crucial step towards improving their productivity and welfare in the context of global climate change.