By A.J. Knowles, RAAA Director of Breed Improvement

As summer moves in, heat stress in livestock becomes an issue for producers, especially in regions that experience high temperatures. Seeking shade, increased respiration rates and time spent standing in ponds instead of grazing all negatively impact productivity for animals during this season. Additionally, toxic fescue is a particular concern in Southeast, causing constriction of blood vessels, retention of winter hair coats and exacerbating heat stress. These factors underline the need to select animals that are well adapted to such conditions. One promising trait in this regard is hair shedding, which may seem simple but effectively identifies animals that handle heat better.

Animals that shed hair earlier than their contemporaries can be considered better adapted for several reasons. Most notably, a hair coat retains heat; therefore, animals that shed earlier tend to spend more time grazing comfortably in the sun, resulting in increased productivity. Moreover, early-shedding are less affected by fescue toxicosis, indicating they can consume more infected forages without significant productivity loss.

[caption id="attachment_171989" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Red Angus heifers standing in a green pasture[/caption]

As the population of Red Angus cattle expands, particularly in the Southeast, the need for genetic selection tools targeting heat-adaptive traits grows. The Red Angus Stakeholders Foundation recognized this need earlier this year and has initiated a three-year partnership with Jared Decker, Ph.D., and doctoral student Dotun Olaoyeto. This collaboration will fund essential research on hair shedding and other traits related to heat stress in Red Angus cattle.

To support this research and other projects backed by the Red Angus Stakeholders Foundation, please contact Peggy Bieber, RASF President at peggy@bieberredangus.com or Halla Ramsey, Executive Director of Operations at halla@redangus.org