Transition cows nutrition management under heat stress

Key Concepts

Heat Stress: Impact on ruminant health, productivity, and reproduction.
Temperature Humidity Index (THI): A measure of heat stress based on temperature and humidity.
Physiology of Heat Stress: Impact on feed intake, mobilization of body fat, insulin sensitivity, and gut health.
Negative Energy Balance (NEB): A state where energy expenditure exceeds energy intake, common in fresh cows.
Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA): Fatty acids released from adipose tissue during mobilization.
Gluconeogenesis: The synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, primarily in the liver.
B Vitamins: Essential nutrients involved in various metabolic processes and enzyme activation.
Matrix Technology: A delivery system for protected B vitamins that bypasses the rumen.
Transition Cow Management: Nutritional and management strategies to support cows during the transition period.
Liver Function: The role of the liver in glucose production, fat oxidation, and detoxification.
Oxidative Stress: An imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them.

Heat stress significantly impacts the well-being, health, and productivity of ruminants.
It affects milk production, immune system, and reproduction. Cows under heat stress may not show detectable heat or retain OCI effectively.
Dry and transition cows are often overlooked but are equally affected by heat stress.
Heat stress can reduce feed intake by up to 50% in transition cows, affecting subsequent lactation and fetus growth.
The Californian heat wave in 2006 resulted in over 30,000 cattle deaths.
The financial burden of heat stress in the U.S. is estimated at over $1 billion annually, underestimated as it only accounts for production losses.
Climate change and population growth in tropical and subtropical areas exacerbate heat stress challenges, limiting protein production and food security.
Ruminants are more susceptible to heat stress due to the heat of fermentation.

Ruminants rely on evaporative heat loss (sweating and panting) to dissipate heat.
High humidity hinders evaporative cooling, increasing stress.
The Temperature Humidity Index (THI) is used to assess heat stress levels.
Respiration rate increases as animals try to dissipate heat, but becomes ineffective at high temperatures.
Rectal temperature is a key indicator of heat stress. A rise of 1.5°C can significantly reduce milk yield.
Heat stress affects milk production, protein, and fat yield at different THI thresholds. Fat yield is affected at a THI of 57.
There is a carryover effect of heat stress, where cows stressed during the dry period have lower milk production in the subsequent lactation.
Heat stress compromises placental blood flow, reducing fetal growth and affecting the immune function of newborn calves.

Rectal temperature measurement is an effective tool.
Near-infrared technology is being validated for heat stress assessment.
Telemetry can be used for continuous temperature monitoring.
Temperature humidity index (THI) is a key metric.
Duration of heat stress exposure is critical. The number of hours above a certain THI threshold should be calculated.

Effective abatement strategies (shades, fans, soakers) are the primary step.
Access to clean and cool water is vitally important, with a potential 50% increase in water intake.
Ensure access to high-quality feed, especially for cows that cannot compete for feed.
Feed 40% of the ration during cooler times and 60% at night or in the afternoons.
Increase the energy density of the diet without inducing acidosis.
Use buffers, especially potassium carbonate and magnesium oxide, to improve rumen condition.
Ensure adequate levels of all vitamins, including B vitamins.

Use a reliable software (e.g., CNCPS model) and accurate feed analysis.
Assess and input cow body condition score into the software.
Manage cows in different groups or use different rations if possible.
Input environmental conditions into the software to predict increased nutrient requirements.
Adjust ration guidelines to increase energy density, decrease forage levels, and increase starch without causing acidosis.
Monitor potassium and sodium levels.

Jeffo is a company founded in 1982 with a global presence in 80 countries.
The company has a team of species specialists to support customers.
Jeffo focuses on supporting glucose production during the transition period.
Glucose is essential for milk production and immunity.
Transition cows experience a drop in feed intake, leading to negative energy balance and increased NEFA levels.
Excessive fat mobilization puts a load on the liver, potentially leading to metabolic problems.
Inflammation is a normal part of calving, but complex inflammation can lead to slow recovery and metabolic disorders.
Global farm threats include low feed intake, high NEFA, low glucose production, and metabolic problems.
Enzyme activity is crucial for metabolic reactions.
B vitamins are essential for enzyme activation and antioxidant activity.
Rumen degradation of B vitamins is high, especially during heat stress.
Jeffo has created a Matrix technology to protect B vitamins and deliver them to the intestines.
Transition VB and Lactation VB are Jeffo products containing protected B vitamins.

Transition VB: A blend of folic acid, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and B12 for transition cows. Dosage: 100 grams per cow per day for 21 days (14 days before calving).
Lactation VB: A blend for lactating cows, particularly during heat stress. Dosage: 3 grams per cow per day.
Trials have shown improved feed intake, reduced liver fat infiltration, and improved health and reproduction parameters with Transition VB.
Meta-analysis of 28 trials showed reduced retained placenta, mastitis, metritis, and BHBA levels, and increased pregnancy rates.
Lactation VB has been shown to improve milk production and milk components.
Economic benefits: Retail investment can range from 5:1 to 7:1 or even 10:1.

Heat stress is a significant challenge for ruminant production, impacting health, productivity, and reproduction.
Effective management requires a combination of abatement strategies, nutritional interventions, and monitoring.
Jeffo's B vitamin products, delivered through Matrix technology, can support liver function, improve metabolic efficiency, and enhance overall cow health and performance.
Prevention is key to minimizing the negative impacts of heat stress and maximizing profitability.