Animals (Jun 2024)

Hypothalamic Neuromodulation and Control of the Dermal Surface Temperature of Livestock during Hyperthermia

  • Juliana Sarubbi,
  • Julio Martínez-Burnes,
  • Marcelo Daniel Ghezzi,
  • Adriana Olmos-Hernandez,
  • Pamela Anahí Lendez,
  • María Carolina Ceriani,
  • Ismael Hernández-Avalos

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14121745
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 12
p. 1745

Abstract

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Hyperthermia elicits several physiological and behavioral responses in livestock to restore thermal neutrality. Among these responses, vasodilation and sweating help to reduce core body temperature by increasing heat dissipation by radiation and evaporation. Thermoregulatory behaviors such as increasing standing time, reducing feed intake, shade-seeking, and limiting locomotor activity also increase heat loss. These mechanisms are elicited by the connection between peripheral thermoreceptors and cerebral centers, such as the preoptic area of the hypothalamus. Considering the importance of this thermoregulatory pathway, this review aims to discuss the hypothalamic control of hyperthermia in livestock, including the main physiological and behavioral changes that animals adopt to maintain their thermal stability.

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