Modern ventilation could increase milk production, study finds

By: Trademagazin Date: 2026. 01. 20. 11:38

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High-velocity ventilation systems not only improve the well-being of animals, but also demonstrably reduce heat stress and increase milk production – Hungarian researchers concluded in their study published in the Journal of Thermal Biology.

Heat stress means serious economic losses in large-scale animal husbandry, especially in the case of dairy cows – MATE wrote in a statement sent to MTI on Tuesday.

During the study, the researchers compared the results of two large groups of cattle: one herd One group was cooled with conventional fans, the other with a high-velocity, temperature-controlled system. Although the outside temperature and humidity exceeded the heat stress threshold for both groups, the new system increased the air velocity fourfold. As a result, the cows had lower body temperatures, spent more time eating, and produced an average of three liters more milk per day.

The research is unique in that the impact of the technological development was also examined at the molecular level. Analysis of blood samples showed that the new cooling system not only creates a more comfortable environment, but also modifies the stress response pattern of cells. Heat stress usually increases the production of heat shock proteins (HSPs), but the activity of these genes was lower in the group cooled with modern fans.

In addition, genes regulating prolactin and other metabolism showed dynamic patterns, indicating that the cells were flexibly adapting to the environment.

According to the researchers, in times of increasingly frequent heat waves due to climate change, it is essential to apply technologies that simultaneously improve animal welfare and economic sustainability. The introduction of high-speed fans could be one possible cost-effective tool to achieve both goals.

The study was conducted by experts from the University of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Debrecen and the Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences (MATE).

The project was implemented with the support of the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH) and the NKFIH Cooperative Doctoral Program.