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image of Biochemical and Physiological Alterations Triggered by Thermal Stress in Companion and Production Animals: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Introduction

Scientific and non-scientific groups have contributed to raising awareness in recent years about animal welfare. The results of such efforts include the creation of legal frameworks concerning animal abuse (or mistreatment) and the growing number of technical requirements for the commercial exploitation of animal-derived products (such as beef, milk, and eggs). Nonetheless, thermal stress is poorly explored in animal welfare research despite its life-threatening consequences.

Objective

In this study, we discuss the biochemical and physiological effects of thermal stress in cattle, broilers, dogs and cats.

Methodology

This review was conducted using data published in Portuguese and English, retrieved from Lilacs, Scielo, and PubMed databases, using the keywords “stress, cold, heat, canines, felines, broilers, poultry, milk cattle, and beef cattle”. Papers were considered if they were published from 2013 to 2025.

Results

Thermal stress refers to a series of biochemical and physiological changes that occur due to short-, moderate-, or long-term exposure to excessively high or low temperatures, where adaptive mechanisms fail to restore normal body temperature. Defining ideal body temperatures for animals can be challenging, as they are influenced by factors such as sex, general health status, body mass, species, and breed. In the species studied, heat typically increases levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), cortisol, transaminases, creatine kinase, and lactic acid, while decreasing levels of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and ATP. Cold exposure increases T4 production, proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-4, and decreases SOD and lipid content in various tissues.

Conclusion

Studies on thermal stress are necessary to provide evidence on what actions are needed to control and adjust environmental conditions for proper husbandry of production and companion animals.

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2025-05-15
2025-09-11

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Biochemical and Physiological Alterations Triggered by Thermal Stress in Companion and Production Animals: A Narrative Review
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0122127968370282250509055604
/content/journals/ccb/10.2174/0122127968370282250509055604
/content/journals/ccb/10.2174/0122127968370282250509055604
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  • Article Type:     Review Article
Keywords: heat ; cold ; cattle ; cats ; Thermal stress ; broilers ; dogs

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