Impact of Temperature-Humidity Index and heat reducing management practices on Milk Production at some selected areas of Bangladesh

Abstract

The very essence of ensuring wholesomeness and availability of milk is a matter of the consumers’ health and food safety in Bangladesh. This research examines the impact of Temperature Humidity Index (THI) on milk production in some chosen farms in the area of Patiya Upazila, Chattogram, Bangladesh in the months of January, February, March, and April of 2024. The major findings were to see the impact of the Temperature Humidity Index on the milk yield in HF crossbreed cows and to compare the sensitivity of different farms to THI with some management practices. Information was obtained through structured interviews and assessed with key information. The statistical tests applied include Pearson’s correlation test, the linear regression test, and the use of graphs using R (4.4.0). Nine farms were involved in the study, out of which only Farm A had provisions for heat stress management. It was observed that THI was high in April and lowest in January and the milk yield has depicted a decreasing trend for Farms B to I but constant in Farm A. Pooled Pearson ‘r’ values revealed the moderate negative relationship between THI and milk production in one of the farms (Farm A) and a very large negative correlation in other farms (Farms B to I). Therefore, it was found that high THI levels have a negative influence (r values close to -1) on the mean milk production in the study and the potential ways of ameliorating heat stress in dairy animals include regular showering, provision of fans, and air movement. Some of these practices were of great use in the fight against heat stress and steadiness of milk production. Thus, the realization of such practices is indicated to promote dependable milk production due to the effects of global warming. This study helps to each of the environmental factors affecting dairy farming most of all, the adverse consequences of high THI on the production as well as stressing the necessity for appropriate preventive measures like mechanical cooling. It is suggested to continue with the experimental trials to identify the efficacy of these strategies as separate steps and as combined measures to make dairy farming sustainable.