Physiological Adaptations and Thermoregulatory Indicators of Heat Stress in Bovine Production Systems

Bovine cattle, being warm-blooded, homeothermic, tachymetabolic, and endothermic animals, have mechanisms for adapting to temperature changes just like any other mammal. Their domestication has not changed this fact. Many of the effects of heat stress on their physiology have been studied, mainly in production and reproductive processes. The climate where these animals live is often very extreme, especially in tropical countries with four seasons. It has been observed that if their production area is located closer to the equator (countries with only two seasons), their adaptation mechanisms are more effective than if they are in countries with four seasons. Therefore, their productive and reproductive physiology is not as affected by the climate as when livestock are located in countries at latitudes further from the equator. The identification of thermoregulatory markers and understanding their effects on physiology can guide strategies to mitigate heat stress, improve animal welfare, and increase reproductive efficiency in cattle production systems. Therefore, the objective of this communication is to highlight key physiological responses to heat stress and emphasize the importance of monitoring thermoregulatory markers.