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Farm animals to 'athletes'
3 Sep 2004
Researchers have found that cattle manage heat stress better and retain their body weight if certain electrolytes, such as those found in sports drinks, are added to their drinking water. The use of electrolytes can help to improve welfare and body weight of animals on board live export trade ships. Dr Anne Barnes, senior lecturer in animal reproduction at WA's Murdoch University, said the concept was similar to athletes using Powerade.
In a separate project in Queensland, researchers have found that cold showers for cattle reduce stress, and wetting down animals onboard ships can also reduce heat stress. It also raises humidity, which is problematic, but the benefits are clear, said Dr John Gaughan, lecturer in animal studies at Queensland University. His project took a range of animals on a simulated 15-day ship voyage to the Middle East in the university's climate simulation facility, where the effects of wetting on animal heat load were assessed. The research results are verified on real ships.
The research was commissioned by Meat and Livestock Australia and LiveCorp.
North Queensland Register, 31/8/04.
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