The Climatic Physiology of Farm Animals

Abstract

The effect of climatic environment, principally temperature, on the physiological behavior and reactions of cattle is reviewed in the light of recent knowledge. Aspects considered are the effect of climatic environment on the grazing habits, body temperature, cardiorespiratory activities, milk production, feed and water consumption, blood and milk composition, heat production, surface temperature and color of coat, insensible weight loss and moisture vaporization of cattle. Methods of ameliorating the effects of tropical environments on cattle are also reviewed. The review ends with a very brief summary of work on pigs and sheep.