Stresse térmico e sistema leiteiro em regiões tropicais

Abstract

The increasing climatic variation in tropical regions poses challenges to dairy production, especially regarding heat stress suffered by animals, which compromises both milk production and quality. This work aims to analyze the effects of climatic variables on milk productivity and composition, as well as discuss mitigation strategies. The methodology used was a literature review, with emphasis on zootechnical, environmental, and physiological data. The results of the observed studies demonstrate that heat stress negatively affects the metabolic efficiency of cows, reduces feed intake, and alters reproductive and milk composition parameters. Conversely, strategies such as adequate environment, precision nutrition, and genetic selection for hardiness can be viable alternatives to minimize this impact. Thus, dairy farming in tropical regions depends on the adoption of appropriate management, nutrition, genetic, and thermal comfort practices to ensure productivity, animal welfare, and the sustainability of the activity in the face of climatic challenges.