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April 3, 2026

Heat stress is a metabolic event driven by internal body temperature.

Lowering internal body temperature during heat stress is the key to decreasing metabolic dysfunction.

Research shows that internal body temperature is the driving factor in negative physiological responses during heat stress events. Ambient Temperature Humidity Index (THI) provides an indication of conditions when heat stress can occur (THI > 72), but an elevated body temperature is what initiates metabolic dysfunction— driving health and performance down. A dairy cow’s high metabolic rate and large size challenges their efficiency at dissipating heat on their own (Zhu et al., 2020). The result can be a cascade of negative metabolic and performance outcomes.

Negative metabolic outcomes due to high internal body temperature

Elevated body temperature is a metabolic disrupter.

With a core temp. of 103º the cow tries to cool herself…

Increased respiration and sweating • Blood flows to skin for heat dissipation
Reduced blood at internal organs
Rumen, intestinal and liver perfusion
Decreased nutrient absorption, rumen buffering and weakened gut barrier
Feed intake drops
Metabolism diverted from production to survival
Reduced milk synthesis and metabolic flexibility
Increased REDOX and immune suppression
Lower milk yield, pregnancy rates and more days open

…yet her body is still generating more heat.

Bovine BlueLite^®is proven to lower body temperature.

Results from a 4-week University of Florida research study demonstrated reduced body temperature, improved dry matter intake (DMI), and energy corrected milk (ECM) responses in heat stressed cows in a commercial setting. 52 cows were enrolled in the study and allocated to four groups (13 cows per group). 26 were housed with heat‑abatement equipment (fans or soakers), the other 26 had access to shade only. Within each housing condition, cows were further divided into two treatments: supplementation with Bovine BlueLite in the TMR or no supplementation (Control). Results reported below focus on the groups provided shade only.

Trial summary

The Bovine BlueLite supplemented group showed a clear advantage over the unsupplemented group in lowering rectal temperature over the trial period. BlueLite supplementation also showed DMI and ECM advantages over the unsupplemented group. Additionally, the combination of abatement with Bovine BlueLite further enhanced the positive effects on DMI and ECM.

Results of supplementation with Bovine BlueLite:

Lowered rectal temperature < 1˚F on average over unsupplemented cows (Fig. 1)

Improved DMI by 4.2 Lb/d over unsupplemented cows (Fig. 2)

Improved ECM over 6.7 Lb/d compared to unsupplemented cows (Fig. 3)

Effectiveness in lowering body temperature

Research conducted at the University of Puerto Rico demonstrated reduced body temperature and improved milk yield responses in heat stressed cows in a commercial setting. Not only did the Bovine BlueLite supplemented cows have an increase in milk production (2.3 lbs./d) they also had a reduced body temperature (0.6ºF, P<0.01) when the THI was the highest (Fig. 4).

The research-proven solution for heat stress.

Containing key functional components such as a palatable, buffered blend of electrolytes, energy sources, and antioxidants, Bovine BlueLite meets the exact physiological demands of the cow’s body during heat stress events.

BlueLite is shown to lower internal body temperature, hydrate, restore electrolyte balance, maintain fluid balance, stimulate feed intake, and sustain milk production.

Benefits of using Bovine BlueLite include:

Maintenance of Lower Body Temperature: Bovine BlueLite helps cows maintain a lower body temperature during high daily THI periods and resulting heat stress (Ruiz et al., 2022; Onan-Martinez et al., 2023).
Enhances Heat Dissipation: Bovine BlueLite improves the cow’s ability to dissipate excess heat, thereby reducing the negative impacts of heat stress (Al-Qaisi et al., 2020; Ruiz et al., 2022).
Heightens Metabolic Flexibility: Bovine BlueLite increases blood glucose, the key fuel to synthesize lactose, maintains insulin levels and reduces circulating NEFA concentrations (Al-Qaisi et al., 2020; Ruiz et al., 2022).
Increases Cow Productivity: Bovine BlueLite increases milk production and reduces nutritional inefficiency associated with immune activation due to stress (Ruiz et al., 2022; Evangelista et al., 2023; Onan-Martinez et al., 2023).
Improved feed intake: Bovine BlueLite is DCAD neutral and can be added without reformulating feed and is shown to increase dry matter intake during periods of heat stress (Onan-Martinez et al., ADSA, 2023).

Bovine BlueLite is your heat stress solution to
Cool Your Cows from The Inside Out.®

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References:

Baumgard, L.H., Rhoads, R.P. 2013. Effects of heat stress on postabsorptive metabolism and energetics. Annual Review of Animal Biosciences 1, 311–337. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-animal-031412-103644

Rhoads, R.P., Baumgard, L.H., Suagee, J.K., Sanders, S.R. 2013. Nutritional interventions to alleviate the negative consequences of heat stress. Advances in Nutrition 4, 267–276. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.112.003376

Becker, C.A., Collier, R.J., Stone, A.E., et al. 2020. Invited review: Physiological and behavioral responses of dairy cattle to heat stress. Journal of Dairy Science 103, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-16839

Chen, S., Wang, J., Peng, D., Li, G. 2018. Exposure to heat stress alters the expression of genes associated with metabolism and oxidative stress in dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science 101, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2017-13630

Safa, S., et al. 2019. Heat stress effects on oxidative stress, immune response, and intestinal integrity in dairy cattle. Journal of Thermal Biology 84, 384–391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.07.017

Tao, S., Bubolz, J.W., do Amaral, B.C., Thompson, I.M., Hayen, M.J., Johnson, S.E., Dahl, G.E. 2011. Effect of heat stress during the dry period on mammary gland development. Journal of Dairy Science 94, 5976–5986. https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(11)00631-X/pdf

Dahl, G.E., Tao, S., Monteiro, A.P.A. 2016. Effects of late-gestation heat stress on immunity and performance of calves. Journal of Dairy Science 99, 3193–3198. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-9990

West, J.W. 2003. Effects of heat stress on production in dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science 86, 2131–2144. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(03)73803-X

Wheelock, J.B., Rhoads, R.P., VanBaale, M.J., Sanders, S.R., Baumgard, L.H. 2010. Effects of heat stress on energetic metabolism in lactating Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science 93, 644–655. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2009-2295

Cool Your Cows from The Inside Out