International Journal of Social Science & Economic Research
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Title:
Seasonal Thermal Stress and Its Impact on Dairy Productivity in Kerala: A Temperature–Humidity Index (THI) Based Analysis

Authors:
Mr.Brejesh N S and Prof. Dr. Y C Ibrahim

Journal: International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research (IJSSER)
ISSN: 2455-8834
Volume: 11
Issue: 5
Publication Date: May 2026
DOI: 10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i05.008

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Mr.Brejesh N S1 and Prof. Dr. Y C Ibrahim2
1. Research Scholar, Department of Economics, Govt College Kodanchery. (Affiliated to University of Calicut) Kozhikode, Kerala. 673 580.
2. Professor and Guide of Economics, Department of Economics, Govt. College Kodanchery (Affiliated to the University of Calicut), Kozhikode, Kerala 673 580.University of Calicut.

MLA 8
N S, Mr.Brejesh, and Prof. Dr. Y C Ibrahim. "Seasonal Thermal Stress and Its Impact on Dairy Productivity in Kerala: A Temperature–Humidity Index (THI) Based Analysis." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, vol. 11, no. 5, May 2026, pp. 1982-1998, doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i05.008. Accessed May 2026.
APA 6
N S, M., & Ibrahim, P. (2026, May). Seasonal Thermal Stress and Its Impact on Dairy Productivity in Kerala: A Temperature–Humidity Index (THI) Based Analysis. Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, 11(5), 1982-1998. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i05.008
Chicago
N S, Mr.Brejesh, and Prof. Dr. Y C Ibrahim. "Seasonal Thermal Stress and Its Impact on Dairy Productivity in Kerala: A Temperature–Humidity Index (THI) Based Analysis." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research 11, no. 5 (May 2026), 1982-1998. Accessed May, 2026. https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i05.008.

References

[1] . Ambazamkandi, P., Muhammed, E. M., Arjun, K., & Aravindakshan, T. V. (2012). Thermal stress in dairy cattle. Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University.
[2] . Dairy Development Department. (n.d.). Dairy development reports and milk production statistics. Government of Kerala. Retrieved from Dairy Development Department Kerala
[3] . Department of Animal Husbandry. (n.d.). Livestock census reports and dairy statistics. Government of Kerala. Retrieved from Department of Animal Husbandry Kerala
[4] . Gayari, I., Lalhmingmawii, S., & Mandal, A. (2024). Heat stress on dairy cattle: Insights into its impact on animal productivity. The Indian Journal of Animal Genetics and Breeding. https://doi.org/10.59317/ardz9c35
[5] . Geetha, N., Balusami, C., Abraham, J., & Mathew, J. (2022). Effect of bedding systems and thermal analysis on milk yield of crossbred dairy cows. Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 53(2), 246–252. https://doi.org/10.51966/jvas.2022.53.2.246-252
[6] . Gujar, G., Tiwari, M., Yadav, N., & Monika. (2023). Heat stress adaptation in cows: Physiological responses and underlying molecular mechanisms. Journal of Thermal Biology, 118, 103740. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103740
[7] . India Meteorological Department. (n.d.). Meteorological data and climate statistics reports. Government of India. Retrieved from India Meteorological Department
[8] . Kerala Agricultural University. (n.d.). Weather station data and agro-climatic reports. Retrieved from Kerala Agricultural University
[9] . National Dairy Development Board. (n.d.). Dairy statistics and milk production reports. Anand, Gujarat: NDDB. Retrieved from National Dairy Development Board
[10] . Roshna, K., Chinnu, M. V., Uma, R., Shynu, M., & Beena, V. (2024). Effect of heat stress on milk fatty acid profile in crossbred and Vechur cattle. Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 55(1), 135–141. https://doi.org/10.51966/jvas.2024.55.1.135-141
[11] . Swaminathan, A., Beena, V., Ramnath, V., Shynu, M., & Babitha, V. (2024). Exploring the interplay between skin temperature and rectal temperature as a key to assess heat stress in early lactating crossbred dairy cattle. Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 55(1), 167–171. https://doi.org/10.51966/jvas.2024.55.1.167-171
[12] . Velayudhan, S. M., Brügemann, K., Pinto, A., Yin, T., Reichenbach, M., Sejian, V., Bhatta, R., Schlecht, E., & König, S. (2022). Effects of heat stress across the rural-urban interface on phenotypic trait expressions of dairy cattle in a tropical savanna region. Sustainability, 14(8), 4590. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084590

ABSTRACT:
Seasonal thermal stress is emerging as a major constraint to dairy productivity in Kerala’s humid tropical climate. High ambient temperature combined with elevated relative humidity results in a higher Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), often exceeding the thermoneutral zone for dairy cattle. This paper synthesises empirical evidence from studies conducted in Kerala, particularly those published in the Journal of Tropical Agriculture, the International Journal of Livestock Research, and the Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction. The findings indicate that seasonal heat stress significantly affects physiological responses, milk composition, feed intake, and reproductive efficiency of crossbred dairy cows. The study highlights the urgent need for climate-adaptive management strategies in Kerala’s dairy sector.

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