Productive response of dairy cows to different barn cooling systems

A summer study, evaluated different cooling systems by, observing the responses of 64 Italian Freisian cows maintained and raised in all experimental freestall barn located in the Po Valley, in Italy. Cows were equally, assigned to one of 4 treatments pens consisting of: a control (C) with no cooling, falls plus misting (FM), falls plus sprinklers (FS), and a special cooling evaporation system (CEV). Cows in each treatment were provided with a feeding area, a freestall area, and all external paddock. Microclimatic parameters, rectal temperature (RT), and breathing rate (BR) were observed along with milk yield and selected milk traits. The best climatic conditions during the hottest hours of the day, were found in the pen with fans and misters (FM). The next best was the section with coolers (CEV), followed by, the FS and then the C pen. During hotter periods, the cows belonging to groups FM and FS showed a lower increase in BR and RT (no increase of RT in FM). The C group, during the experimental period, lost 264 kg/head of milk yield. The losses of the other groups, compared to C group losses, were 81%, 43%, and 35% for CEV, FM, and FS, respectively. Better maintenance of milk protein content and rennet coagulation properties were found in FS and FM. These results confirm the value of these air-conditioning techniques to reduce the effects of heat stress, maintain milk yield, and maintain the milk's cheesemaking properties.