Continual genetic selection for greater performance results in increased HS sensitivity and a resulted in a decreasing trend in the lactation curve as well as poor milk quality in dairy animals during summer seasons. HS adversely affects milk production and its composition in dairy animals, especially animals of high genetic merit
[3][4]. The components of milk are strongly affected by HS
[69]. The greater number of somatic cells counted in milk during summer also shows that the hyperthermic environment severely affects the quality of the milk
[70]. Furthermore, it is found that a hyperthermal environment could also reduce the milk protein content via the reduction of casein concentration
[71]. Highly producing cows have been shown to utilize majority of its glucose in mammary tissues for milk production
[72]. Due to high energy demand under HS, existing energy intake would not be enough to cover the daily requirements for the milk production. Total average milk production per cow was significantly (
p < 0.05) higher in the spring period (42.74 ± 4.98 L) compared to summer (39.60 ± 5.09 L)
[73]. HS above critical threshold decreases DMI by 9.6% and milk production by 21%, together with lower milk fat and milk protein in the summer season
[3][74]. Reduced nutrient intake (indirect effects of heat) accounted for only about 35% of the heat stress-induced decrease in milk synthesis
[44]. Additionally, the analysis of milk protein fractions also showed a reduction in percentages of casein, lactalbumin, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA; 80% of these changes were associated with loss of productivity and 20% with health issues which might be due to disruption of internal homeostasis mechanism
[75]. Similarly, lipid composition of milk is also disturbed during the HS
[76]. Milk levels before HS, lactation stages, and parity are positively related to the extent of milk yield decline during HS. Studies have shown 35% decline for mid-lactation
[44] and 14% for early lactation cows
[74]. Besides milk yield and composition HS increased the somatic cell count of the milk
[77] through initiation of immune response in the mammary tissue
[78]. HS tend to activate immune system, which is energy intensive phenomena; therefore, the glucose consumption in dairy cow is increased
[79]. Milk yield, composition, and quality are affected by HS. Failure to rescue milk yield due to shifts in energy metabolism; protein catabolism; alterations in lipid metabolism due to endocrine alterations; and immune response due to oxidative stress and inflammation are the major factors in this context.