The influence of high ambient temperatures on milk productivity and milk quality indicators in Holstein cows
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32636/01308521.2025-(78)-2-11Keywords:
cows, milk, protein, fat, milk yield, ambient temperature, heat stress, Holstein breedAbstract
The paper presents the results of the author’s study on the influence of ambient temperature conditions on milk yield and milk quality traits in Holstein cows. The research was carried out in the production conditions at a dairy farm maintaining 640–700 lactating cows with an average annual milk yield of 11.4 thousand liters per cow (as of 2023). Observations were conducted from June to September 2024 ‒ the period characterized by unusually high air temperatures in the Western regions of Ukraine. To describe the climatic conditions, data from the Volyn Regional Hydrometeorological Center were used, specifically the average daily air temperatures recorded in Kovel district, where the farm is located. Average daily milk yields were analyzed under different temperature regimes, along with changes in milk quality parameters such as fat and protein content. A clear tendency toward decreased milk production was observed when the average daily temperature exceeded +24 ºC, indicating signs of heat stress in the animals. At the same time, minor fluctuations in milk fat (3.44–3.75 %) and protein content (3.15–3.35 %) were recorded. These variations are likely related to adaptive physiological responses of the cows to heat load and to changes in feeding practices during the hot season. The obtained results emphasize the need to improve feeding systems, housing technologies and microclimatic conditions during summer to minimize the negative impact of temperature stress on milk productivity and quality.
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