Date of Award
8-2025
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science - Agriculture
Department
Agriculture
First Advisor
Dr. Erin Brown
Second Advisor
Dr. Joe Mask
Third Advisor
Dr. Gregory Miller
Fourth Advisor
Mr. Jason Grogran
Abstract
This study evaluated the impact of silvopasture on mitigating heat stress in grazing beef cattle by comparing physiological and behavioral responses between shaded and non-shaded pastures. Twenty-two multiparous cows were monitored over a 20-day summer trial in East Texas. Data were collected on respiration rate, heart rate, heat stress scores, and behaviors including eating, ruminating, walking, and resting. Average respiration rates and behavior proportions did not differ significantly between treatments. Afternoon periods showed peak physiological stress across all cattle, but silvopasture appeared to buffer extreme responses. Although limitations such as data gaps and a shortened trial impacted interpretation, findings suggest that silvopasture may enhance thermal comfort and support cattle welfare under heat stress conditions.
Repository Citation
Lofland, Sydney L., "Using Silvopasture to Mitigate Heat Stress in Grazing Beef Cattle" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 635.
https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/635
