Publication Date
1993
Description
Behavioural adaptation of Bos taurus (Angus) and B. indicus B: taurus cross (Brangus) females to high ambient temperatures was studied in 2 trials (maximum ambient temperatures of 37 .8 and 32.5°C respectively) in a semi-arid area of south Texas. Brangus females grazed for longer (297 v. 239 min/day, P<0.0001) spent less time in shade (288 v. 395 min/day, P<0.0001), and spent less time watering (95 v. 115 min/day, P<0.0001) than Angus females. Trial by breed interactions were detected (P<0.001) for resting in shade, resting in sun and watering time. Both breeds were apparently restricted in grazing time by high ambient temperatures during both trials, but the Angus were restricted to a greater extent. Although ambient temperatures were lower in the second trial, the threshold for allowing grazing unrestricted by heat stress was apparently not reached for either breed,
Citation
Forbes, T.D A.; Holloway, J W.; and Warrington, B G., "Beef Cow Adaptation to Hot Dry Climates" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 33.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session55/33
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Beef Cow Adaptation to Hot Dry Climates
Behavioural adaptation of Bos taurus (Angus) and B. indicus B: taurus cross (Brangus) females to high ambient temperatures was studied in 2 trials (maximum ambient temperatures of 37 .8 and 32.5°C respectively) in a semi-arid area of south Texas. Brangus females grazed for longer (297 v. 239 min/day, P<0.0001) spent less time in shade (288 v. 395 min/day, P<0.0001), and spent less time watering (95 v. 115 min/day, P<0.0001) than Angus females. Trial by breed interactions were detected (P<0.001) for resting in shade, resting in sun and watering time. Both breeds were apparently restricted in grazing time by high ambient temperatures during both trials, but the Angus were restricted to a greater extent. Although ambient temperatures were lower in the second trial, the threshold for allowing grazing unrestricted by heat stress was apparently not reached for either breed,