Relationship among production traits, somatic cell score and temperature–humidity index in the Italian Mediterranean Buffalo

The temperature–humidity index (THI) has been commonly used to analyse heat stress in dairy cattle, but little is known about its effects on buffaloes. In this study, daily milk yield (MY), fat percentage (FP), protein (PP) and somatic cell count (SCC) data from 808 buffalo cows plus environmental temperature relative humidity were investigate the consequence of stress. Two mixed models evaluate impact THI MY, FP, PP log transformed SCC (SCS). effect was significant for PP, FP SCS, whereas interaction with parity statistically SCS. relationship between positive different magnitude according parity. When below 62, an unfavourable observed, especially primiparous cows. A SCS across parities also observed. MY not definite overall a favourable Our findings depict susceptibility buffaloes low values THI, suggesting optimal range water 59 63, although some deleterious observed at lower than 62. Additional investigations are needed better elucidate influence species.HIGHLIGHTSThe diverges what cattleCold affects udder health buffaloesThe buffaloes’ performance depends parity, larger pluriparous cowsUdder buffaloes, evaluated using count, affected by