Extreme Heat Cuts Milk Production by 10%, Says New Study

Research conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University Of Chicago has revealed that dairy cows can experience a reduction in milk production by up to 10% due to extreme heat, particularly when combined with high humidity. A study of more than 130,000 dairy cows in Israel over a 12-year period found that even one day of extreme heat can have long-lasting effects on milk yield. Despite the heat, milk production remains below average for over 10 days. Why is this? 

In addition, the Science Advances study involved surveys of more than 300 dairy farmers to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of cooling technologies in reducing heat-related production losses. The findings indicated that the use of contemporary technologies, such as ventilation systems and water spraying, had a limited impact on these losses. Temperature influenced their impact. Production losses were reduced by approximately 50% on milder days, where cooling systems were used to reduce temperatures to around 20°C. The effectiveness decreased to about 40% on hotter days, particularly when temperatures exceeded 24°C. 

Despite the constraints, these technologies are still considered to be financially viable. According to the researchers, cooling systems typically yield a return on investment after 18 months. The adoption has been partially influenced by this. Full-scale implementation is still too expensive for most people due to the cost of complete insulation from heat stress. 

Along with Israel, the study also calibrated potential effects on a global scale. The projection suggested that the world's 10 countries with the highest milk production potential could experience a decrease of 4% per cow per day without adequate cooling infrastructure by the mid-century. According to the study, climate change risks in dairy farming will only be managed with adaptation measures. 

The results suggest that while many farms are utilizing cutting-edge cooling technologies, they may not be sufficient alone. More comprehensive strategies were recommended to policymakers by the researchers.... A decrease in stress factors, such as calf separation and confinement, could enhance cows' resilience. This is especially true for the latter stages of production. 

Climate change and global food security are strongly linked, as demonstrated by this research. Increasingly, the pressure on dairy production systems will increase due to rising temperatures. The research provides valuable information for farmers, policymakers, and industry executives as they grapple with the challenges of a rising world. 

Source: 
Study published in the journal Science Advances, Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University Of Chicago.