Evaluation of Reproductive Challenges and Artificial Insemination Management Under Heat Stress Conditions in Dairy Farms of Khorasan Razavi Province

This descriptive cross-sectional study investigated the critical impact of heat stress on reproductive performance and Artificial Insemination (AI) management within ۱۵ dairy farms in Iran’s Khorasan Razavi province. All participating farm managers (۱۰۰%) confirmed significant detrimental effects of heat on fertility rates and estrus expression, aligning with global findings on heat stress’s adverse physiological impacts on dairy cattle reproduction. A notable deficiency was identified in the practical application of the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI); the majority of farmers (approx. ۸۰%) relied on subjective ambient temperature perceptions, hindering precise heat stress assessment and management. While widespread adoption of basic mitigation measures such as shades (over ۹۰%), fans/misters (approx. ۶۰%), and adjusted feeding schedules (۷۰%) were observed, these proved insufficient to overcome persistent reproductive issues like repeat breeding and reduced conception rates, especially when AI was timed based on suboptimal estrus detection. Less than ۲۰% of farms implemented advanced strategies, including sexed semen and hormonal synchronization. These results highlight a pressing need for enhanced farmer education on quantitative heat stress assessment tools (THI) and the promotion of integrated, science-based management protocols. Implementing such measures is crucial for mitigating economic losses and improving the reproductive efficiency and overall sustainability of dairy farming in arid and semi-arid regions like Khorasan Razavi

کلیدواژه ها:

Bovine fertility ، Livestock management ، Environmental stress ، Dairy herd health ، Breeding efficiency