Heat Stress on Gastrointestinal Tract in Ruminants

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of keeping water tanks under umbrellas?

To increase the temperature of the water

To add energy to the water

To reduce the concentration of minerals in the water

To avoid exposure to direct sunlight (correct)

What is the determinant of the amount of feed consumed by animals in hot weather?

The amount of vitamins in the feed

The amount of energy in the feed (correct)

The amount of fibers in the feed

The amount of protein in the feed

How can the energy content of the diet be increased?

By adding fat to the diet, up to 10% of the dry matter

By increasing the amount of protein in the diet

By increasing the amount of oily seeds in the diet (correct)

By decreasing the amount of concentrated feed

What is the maximum percentage of protein content in the diet in hot weather?

17% Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to provide fiber in the diet?

To support the normal functioning of the rumen Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of providing appropriate shade for animals?

To lower the body temperature and respiratory rate of the animals Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of designing the roof of animal houses with a gradual slope?

To stimulate air flow and reduce the thermal transfer Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to add mineral elements and vitamins to the diet?

To provide extra nutrition to the animals Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using fans with sprinkle water in animal houses?

To moisturize and evaporate the animal's surfaces to reduce heat Signup and view all the answers

Why are fans and sprinklers installed above the feed tools?

To make the area around the feed tools the coldest place in the animal house Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for reducing heat stress in animals?

Providing sufficient areas for feeding and drinking Signup and view all the answers

What type of feedstuff is recommended for reducing heat stress in animals?

Non-concentrated feed like hay of barley and sweet clover hay Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of disrupting the rumen and intestine barrier function?

Translocation of toxins and unwanted metabolites into the blood circulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria responsible for the toxic effects of endotoxins?

Lipid A Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to avoid high feed temperature?

To reduce heat stress in animals Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of separating small animals from large ones?

To provide feed for each breed separately Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of heat stress on the gastrointestinal tract in ruminants?

Reduced feed intake and releasing different proteins and inflammation mediators Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the rumen epithelium?

Nutrient absorption, transportion, short-chain fatty acid metabolism, and barrier protection Signup and view all the answers

What is the number of cell layers in the intestinal epithelium?

One Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of endotoxins?

Gram-negative bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of lysis of Gram-negative bacteria?

Increased release of endotoxins Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of heat shock proteins released during heat stress?

To protect against heat stress Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of heat stress on the barrier that prevents endotoxins from entering the circulation?

It impairs the barrier. Signup and view all the answers

What is the temperature range for severe heat stress in cattle?

31°C ≤ 37°C Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the acute response to endotoxins in the blood circulation?

Decreased energy for growth and milk production. Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred temperature for providing water to cattle in hot weather?

Cold water Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of water in hot weather for cattle?

It has great importance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of heat stress on the rumen?

It leads to sub-acute rumen acidosis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of endotoxins entering the blood circulation?

A strong inflammatory response. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the proteins released in response to endotoxins in the blood circulation?

Haptoglobin Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Effects of Heat Stress on the Gastrointestinal Tract

Heat stress affects the gastrointestinal tract, specifically the rumen epithelium, which is essential for nutrient absorption, transport, short-chain fatty acid metabolism, and barrier protection.
The effects of heat stress on the rumen epithelium can be explained by:
- Reduced feed intake
- Release of heat shock proteins and cytokines (inflammation mediators)
- Disruption of the rumen and intestine barrier, leading to the translocation of toxins (endotoxins, mycotoxins) and unwanted metabolites (biogenic amines such as histamine) into the blood circulation.

Endotoxins

Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides (LPS), a part of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria.
The lipid A part is the toxic part of LPS.
Endotoxins are released during lysis of bacteria and are always present in the rumen due to the presence of Gram-negative bacteria in an animal's microflora.
The structure of LPS consists of polysaccharide (O-Antigen and Core oligosaccharide) and the toxic lipid A part.

Heat Stress Classification

Heat stress can be classified based on temperature ranges:
- Mild: 23°C ≤ 26°C
- Moderate: 26°C ≤ 31°C
- Severe: 31°C ≤ 37°C
- Emergency: ≥ 37°C

Heat Stress Effects on Cow Health

Heat stress can cause sub-acute rumen acidosis (SARA), leading to a massive increase in endotoxins concentration.
The barrier prevents endotoxins from entering the circulation in healthy animals, but heat stress can impair this barrier, allowing endotoxins to reach the blood circulation and cause a strong inflammatory response.
This response consumes a lot of energy, which the animal cannot use for growth, milk production, or reproductive performance.

Practical Management to Reduce Heat Stress Effects

Nutritional System in Hot Weather

Water consumption is crucial:
- Clean, fresh water should be provided in suitable quantities.
- Cold water is preferred to stimulate and cool the cows.
- Water troughs should be placed in shaded areas and cleaned regularly.
Feedstuff should:
- Be of good quality, rich in energy, protein, vitamins, and mineral elements.
- Have increased energy, protein, and fiber content.
- Include fat as an excellent way to increase energy content (but not exceeding 5-6% of dry matter).
- Provide necessary protein, but not excessive (not exceeding 17%).
- Include fiber for normal digestive functioning.
- Include mineral elements and vitamins, especially sodium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins C and A.

Other Practical Management

Provide appropriate shade to lower body temperature and respiratory rate.
Design animal houses with high roofs and gradual slopes to stimulate air flow and reduce thermal transfer.
Avoid sunlight entering animal houses.
Use fans and sprinklers to moisturize and evaporate the animal's surface, reducing body heat.
Provide sufficient areas for feeding and drinking, and avoid crowding around barns.
Provide sufficient amounts of non-concentrated feedstuff like hay.
Increase food intake with small quantities, multiple times.
Avoid high feed temperature and spoilage.
Prevent fly infestation and feed infection.
Increase food quantities during cool periods of the day.
Separate small animals from large and pregnant females, and provide feed for each breed separately.
Process grains before serving, such as crushing or grinding, and ensure complete mixing.

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Description

This quiz explores the effects of heat stress on the gastrointestinal tract in ruminants, including reduced feed intake and changes in barrier function. Understand the impact of heat stress on the gut of ruminant animals.