Hi friends. Do animals feel stress like humans and the answer is Yes.
The effects of stress on an animal’s body are stunningly similar to stress’s effects on humans. In both humans and animals, stress causes the body to release adrenaline and cortisol hormones. These chemicals cause heart rate and respiration to speed up, and suppress the immune system.
Stress occurs when animals have to make extreme and/or prolonged physiological and behavioural adjustments in order to cope with their environment.
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Animals can experience three types of stress:
- Physical – due to fatigue or injury.
- Physiological – due to hunger, thirst or temperature control.
- Behavioral – due to the environment, unfamiliar people or surroundings.
The factors which can cause stress are called Stressors, e.g. noise, unfamiliar pen-mates or dogs. Although many animals might be able to tolerate a single stressor for a short period of time, multiple stressors over a long period of time may lead to distress and suffering.
A stressed animal is a weak animal
IMPACT OF STRESS ON ANIMAL PERFORMANCE
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Changes in the immune function and Stress can suppress immune function
When animals become stressed, bodies produce corticosteroid, a hormone that can weaken the immune system, leaving it susceptible to colds and other viruses. Some disorders are more likely to be precipitated by chronic stress. Though vaccines are common in the livestock industry to prevent disease, a stressed animal has a less effective response to pathogens than an unstressed one. Often, a stressed animal with a large concentration of cortisol will still not have an effective immune response, even with a vaccine. This animal can still get sick and spread diseases to the rest of the herd.
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Increased susceptibility to disease
Susceptibility to other diseases can also be increased as a result of situations which are likely to be stressful. Stress-related diseases include coccidiosis, pasteurellosis and Mannheimia haemolytica. Pasteurellosis is more common in calves,especially those that are being weaned. Pasteurellosis is frequently a cause of economic loss. Mannheimia haemolytica causes lung infection and a form of pneumonia in stressed animals. Young animals are also more vulnerable to coccidiosis. Several studies have shown an increase in the prevalence of mastitis in dairy cows as a result of chronic fear. Transport stress has been shown to increase pneumonia caused by bovine herpes virus-1 in calves, pneumonia caused by Pasteurella sp. and mortality in calves and sheep, and salmonellosis in sheep and horses.
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Decreased feed intake and rumination
When animals suffer from stress, they may experience a loss of appetite. When cattle are coping with high temperatures in hot weather, for example, they consume less feed.- Lower Energy Levels A decrease in the rate of consumption of feed also leads to lower energy levels. Cows and calves become lethargic and less productive. The fat content in a cow’s milk may also become compromised, as well as their milk production.
- Weight Loss Stress can also lead to weight loss in livestock. The animal may not be able to keep itself sufficiently warm or be productive.
- Reduced Production of Milk When stressed, dairy cows may also produce less milk. Heat stress, which typically occurs in summer months, can be a cause of reduced milk production. Because stress causes a loss of appetite, cows have less energy and aren’t able to produce milk at the same rate.
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Inhibition of oxytocin release, and reduced fertility
Low levels of oxytocin could stop uterine contractions during the birthing process and prevent milk ejection after giving birth.- Small or Premature Calves: Another effect of stress on cattle is that calves may be born premature or small.
- The effects of Stress on the Reproduction of farm animals, negatively affect reproductive performance in both females and males. In females, on the percentage of fertility, declining oocyte quality and therefore the quality of the embryo and in males negatively affect the quantity and quality of sperm.
- Reduced Conception Rate: When animals feel stressed, the success rate of insemination drops. Producers will have fewer calves and productivity will slow.
Signs of Stress in Farm Animals
What are the signs of stress in animals? To keep your livestock healthy, happy and productive, you should be aware of the symptoms of stress? Knowing what to look for will allow you to deal with an animal’s stress as soon as it manifests and improve the conditions of the animal’s environment.- Respiratory Issues
- Standing While Others Are Lying Down
- Frequent Urination
- Rapid Heart Rate
- Trembling
- Seeking out Shade
- Open-Mouthed Breathing
- Slobbering: The increased production of saliva is another indicator of stress.
- Lack of Coordination Lack of coordination is a severe sign of heat stress. This condition can lead to collapse and even coma or death. It requires an immediate action.
- Restlessness
- Splashing Water
- Huddling Together
We can Help You to Relieve Animal Stress
YORS offers an instant Stress Reliever for Farm animals. YORSLYTE is a water soluble powder. YORSLYTE is a blend of all essential nutrients like Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, and Ammonium Chloride with Vitamin C that are required to maintain electrolyte balance in the body.
INDICATION AND BENEFITS:
- Provides the electrolyte needs of the birds and animals
- Helps regulate the body temperature of birds and animals.
- Relieves heat stress and restores the body temperature of the birds and the animals to normal.
- Essential in stress condition.
METHOD AND ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION:
Dissolve in cold water and in liquid diets. Administer 5-7 consecutive days, each month with the following daily dosage:
- General Stress : 0.5 to 1 Gm – mix in one Liter of Water
- Acute Stress : 1.5 to 2 Gm – mix in one Liter of Water
Or
As suggested by the Veterinarian / Nutritionist.
Disclaimer
Please note that our product is packed with closure safety. Do not use the medicine if seal is Broken. Our products are meant for export use only. One must follow their local veterinarian’s instructions and dosage prescribed. Shake well before use. To get the best utility out of our products one must Store in Cool and Dry Place (suggested in between 15 Degree C to 30 Degree C), Protect from light and do not freeze.
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