Stress and Strain: Differentiating the Responses to High and Moderate Heat Loads and Subsequent Recovery in Grain-Fed Feedlot Steers-Metabolic Hormones.

ABSTRACT: The extent of endocrine changes in response to various levels of heat stress and subsequent recovery is not well understood. Two cohorts of 12 Black Angus steers were housed in climate-controlled rooms (CCR) and subjected to three thermal periods: PreChallenge (5 d), Challenge (7 d) and Recovery (5 d). PreChallenge and Recovery provided thermoneutral conditions. The Challenge simulated a strong heatwave. Finally, the steers were maintained in outdoor pens for 38 d. Rumen temperature (RumT), respiration rate (RR) and panting score (PS) were intensively measured in the CCR. Dry matter intake (DMI) was determined daily. The steers were bled most days, and a rectal temperature (RecT) was taken also. Plasma concentrations of TSH, prolactin, T3, T4, insulin, leptin and adiponectin were determine

SUBMITTER: Wijffels G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11758642 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature