Temperature-humidity index and reproductive performance of dairy cattle farms in Lima, Peru.

Background: Heat stress results in a mild reduction in milk production, while long-term heat stress exposure can severely affect the productive and reproductive performance in dairy cattle.

Aim: To quantify the relationship between reproductive performance and temperature-humidity index in dairy cattle farms in Lima, Peru.

Methods: Monthly service, conception, and pregnancy rates were measured from four dairy farms in four different Lima localities as reproductive performance indicators, along with an index of heat stress and maximum daily temperature-humidity index (max THI), during a 3-year period.

Zearalenone mycotoxicosis in piglets suckling sows fed contaminated grain.

An outbreak of zearalenone mycotoxicosis occurred between early March and mid-April involving 62 suckling piglets of both sexes. The clinical picture was characterized by edematous swelling and reddening of the vulva, sometimes associated with reddening and/or necrosis of the tail. Six female piglets had congenital lesions of the external genitalia while in the remainder clinical signs appeared 2 to 3 d after birth.