Animal Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 196-206 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/amb 201 Figure 3 Models of the mechanisms of key genes in cold (A) and heat (B) stress responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (Adopted from Fang et al., 2021) 5.4 Implications for dairy production The findings have significant implications for dairy production. Understanding the genetic and molecular basis of heat stress response can aid in developing strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. For example, identifying candidate genes for heat tolerance can inform selective breeding programs aimed at enhancing thermotolerance in dairy cattle (Otto et al., 2019; Luo et al., 2021). Additionally, dietary interventions, such as the supplementation of rumen-protected tryptophan, have been shown to improve feed intake, milk yield, and overall stress resilience in heat-stressed cows (Choi et al., 2021). These insights can help optimize management practices and improve the welfare and productivity of dairy cattle in hot climates. 5.5 Lessons learned Several lessons were learned from this case study. First, a comprehensive approach that integrates various omics technologies is essential for a thorough understanding of the heat stress response in dairy cattle. Second, the identification of specific biomarkers, such as miRNAs and proteins, can provide valuable tools for monitoring and managing heat stress in dairy herds. Lastly, the genetic variability in heat tolerance among different breeds and crossbreeds underscores the importance of tailored breeding programs to enhance resilience to heat stress (Macciotta et al., 2017; Liu et al., 2020). These lessons highlight the need for continued research and innovation to address the challenges posed by heat stress in the dairy industry. 6 Implications for Dairy Management and Breeding 6.1 Strategies for mitigating heat stress Heat stress in dairy cattle significantly impacts milk production, fertility, and overall animal welfare. Effective strategies to mitigate heat stress include improving housing conditions, such as providing shade, fans, and sprinklers to cool the animals. Additionally, adjusting feeding times to cooler parts of the day and ensuring access to cool, clean water can help reduce the effects of heat stress. Implementing these strategies can help maintain productivity and animal health during periods of high temperature and humidity (Garner et al., 2016; Habimana et al., 2023). 6.2 Potential for genetic selection for heat tolerance Genetic selection for heat tolerance offers a promising long-term solution to mitigate the effects of heat stress in dairy cattle. Studies have shown that genomic selection using DNA markers can predict heat tolerance, allowing for the breeding of more resilient cattle. For instance, genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) for heat tolerance have been developed, which can be used to select animals that maintain higher production levels under heat stress conditions (Nguyen et al., 2016). Additionally, specific genes, such as FAM107B and PHRF1, have
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