ABSTRACT
This chapter describes some feeding schemes to facilitate heat loss in the cow and some diet formulation protocols to reduce the heat increment of feeding. The higher the cow's milk production, the greater the energy consumption — and the greater the heat production associated with the digestion and metabolism of feed. The genetic trend for increased milk yield continues upward, implying greater heat production with the associated metabolism of more feed nutrients. Under conditions of heat stress, productive functions suffer as the cow attempts to balance heat production with heat loss. Alleviation of heat stress in dairy cows can be considered in three categories: reduction of heat transfer to the body, devices to increase heat loss from the body, and lower heat production by the cow while maintaining milk production. Any reduction in heat increment by dietary adjustments will make more energy available for productive purposes.
