MU tool helps select cattle for heat stress resistance

By Blake Jackson

Selecting cattle that can withstand heat is crucial for beef producers, especially in regions with high temperatures and humidity.

According to Jamie Courter, an MU Extension state beef genetics specialist, matching cattle genetics to their environment is essential for profitability, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.

Heat stress is a significant challenge for the beef industry, costing billions of dollars annually. To address this, researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a tool to help producers select heat-tolerant cattle: hair shedding scores.

“Responsible beef breeding requires matching cattle genetics to the production environment,” said Jamie Courter, MU Extension state beef genetics specialist. “This is necessary for profitability, animal well-being and improved environmental impact. Cattle well-suited to their environment are more profitable. Not only are well-adapted cattle more productive, but they also require fewer inputs and interventions.”

Lower hair shedding scores indicate better heat tolerance. By selecting cattle with these lower scores, producers can improve their herd's ability to cope with hot conditions.

Jared Decker, an MU associate professor of animal sciences, has conducted research on hair shedding and its relationship to heat tolerance. His findings suggest that hair shedding is influenced by factors beyond heat, including the animal's ability to sense daylight.

“The animal’s ability to sense the day length is having a big impact on shedding,” Decker said. “We think there may be something to do with the eye, since that’s how mammals sense light.”

Additionally, research has linked hair shedding to metabolic functions. Courter suggests that hair shedding scores, combined with body condition scores, can provide insights into a cow's nutritional status.

"Cattle with later hair shedding (higher scores) may require additional feed, especially during spring and summer," Courter explained. "This information can help producers make informed feeding decisions."

By understanding hair shedding and its implications, beef producers can make more informed breeding decisions, improve animal welfare, and enhance the overall sustainability of their operations.

“How To Use the Hair Shedding Guide” (https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g2041), producers can learn how best to assess their cattle for this important trait.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar