Influence of Heat Stress on Milk Production, Milk Quality, and Somatic Cell Count in Galicia (NW Spain)

Abstract

This study analyses the effect of heat stress (HS) on milk production, composition, and somatic cell count in Holstein cows in Galicia. For this purpose, the study uses the temperature and humidity index (THI) obtained from the official network of weather stations and data from the official milk control between 2016 and 2021. For milk production, critical THI thresholds were established at THI = 72, while the somatic cell count increased when THI exceeded 78. For the fat and protein components of milk, the critical thresholds are lower, at 64 and 63, respectively. The analysis shows that for each unit increase in THI above the critical threshold, up to 0.249 kg of milk, 0.008 kg of protein, and 0.006 kg of fat can be lost per cow per day. HS has a greater impact on milk composition than on volume, particularly on protein content. In addition, it was observed that the impact of HS on milk production can last between 7 and 12 days. Similarly, consecutive cumulative days of HS significantly impact both milk production and quality, especially in higher productivity stages multiparous cows. Although Galicia has a less extreme climate than other regions, the presence of moderate HS during the warmer months causes significant economic losses in the dairy sector.