Significance of sweating in heat tolerance of cattle

Abstract

Evidence is presented that sweating is of importance to cattle as a method of regulating body temperature in a hot, dry environment. Cattle were covered with polyethylene coats, which prevented the vaporization of skin moisture from the body surface. They were then exposed to high atmospheric temperatures. Significant differences (P < 0.001) between their rectal temperatures and those of the control animals were demonstrated. It is concluded that, in conditions of high air temperature and radiation and low humidity, differences in heat tolerance between one animal and another may be due to differences in the ability to dissipate heat in the vaporization of sweat on the skin surface.