HEAT STRESS MITIGATION STRATEGIES IN BEEF CATTLE IN FEEDLOT IN THE DRY MEXICAN TROPICS

Abstract

Objective: Asses mitigation strategies for heat stress of feedlot cattle in Mexican tropical weather.

Approach: Beef producing cattle represents one of the main activities of the agricultural sector; therefore, in order to maintain feedlot inventories, a considerable number of cattle are displaced from geographic locations where the climatic conditions are not favorable for most of the year. High environmental temperature combined with relative humidity create heat stress conditions and consequently affect feedlot performance by compromising the physiological stability in cattle.

Implications: The improvement of housing conditions to mitigate the effects of heat stress in feedlot beef cattle implies considering the living, shade, feedbunk and water trough spaces to ensure the best welfare possible for these animals during their stay in the livestock production unit.

Conclusions: Heat stress mitigation strategies in feedlot beef cattle under practical conditions contribute to mitigate stress effects while improving animal welfare and performance indicators in the Mexican dry weather.