An early foundation for healthy development

Effect of heat stress on pregnant cows and calf growth

Did you know that the influence of heat stress on both pregnancy and the growth of the calves born is often underestimated?

High temperatures often have a negative effect on the course of pregnancy, as there is a greater sensitivity to external stress factors, particularly in the first few months of gestation. It is assumed that heat stress in particular can disrupt the development of the embryo and promote early embryonic death (EFT). This has an impact on animal welfare and also on the economic profitability of a farm.

According to studies, heat stress leads to an increased early abortion rate. As a result, the birth rate is also lower. This results in empty calving periods and overall lower herd productivity.

Calves whose mothers experienced heat stress during the gestation period are often lighter. In one case study, birth weights were found to be up to 5 kg lower than those of calves whose mothers were not exposed to heat stress. This often results in long-term growth and development losses, so that the weaning weight can be up to 30 kg lower than that of calves from unstressed dams. This reduced weight gain in the first year of life has a considerable impact on later production performance, particularly with regard to milk yield and the later fertility of the animals.

The economic consequences of this should not be underestimated. Abortions and lost calves often have to be monitored with additional measures and supported medically or hormonally. Slower-growing calves take longer to reach market maturity and generate higher feed and husbandry costs in the meantime.

Early preventive measures can mitigate the negative effects of heat stress and ensure the productivity of the herd in the long term. In addition to fresh water supply and feed adaptation, cooling measures play a major role in lowering the ambient temperature in the barn and increasing the animals’ well-being.