Effects of Long-Term Cold Stress on Growth Performance, Behavior, Physiological Parameters, and Energy Metabolism in Growing Beef Cattle

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a long-term cold environment on growth performance, physiological behavior, biochemical blood indexes, and hormone levels in Simmental cattle. Thirty Simmental crossbred bulls (weight = 350 ± 17 kg, 13–14 months old) were selected for two trials at autumn suitable temperatures (A-ST) and winter cold temperatures (W-CT) (15 cattle per season). The results showed that compared with the A-ST group, dry matter intake (p p p p p p p p p p p < 0.01). In summary, long-term cold stress may inhibit the digestive function of Simmental cattle and enhance the body’s energy metabolism and stress hormone imbalance, ultimately damaging the normal growth and development of the body.

Keywords

• beef cattle
• long-term cold stress
• growth performance
• physiological parameters
• blood indicators