Dairy Production in Thailand: The Challenges of a 35°C Climate

In Thailand, dairy production is above all a daily battle against the climate. For several months each year, temperatures regularly exceed 35°C, with extremely high humidity levels. Under this tropical climate, maintaining stable milk production becomes a real technical and physiological challenge, as dairy cows are not biologically adapted to such conditions.

 

Dairy farm in Thailand equipped with a ventilation system for cow comfort 

Heat stress and the THI index 

To measure the real impact of heat, experts use the THI (Temperature-Humidity Index), which combines temperature and humidity levels. According to research published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Genetics, heat stress begins once this index exceeds a critical threshold between 68 and 72. The same study demonstrates that every THI point above this threshold reduces daily milk production by 0.335 kg for high-yield dairy cows. 

During the hot season in Thailand, THI frequently exceeds 90. At this level, the air contains so much moisture that cows can no longer dissipate their body heat through evaporation. They then enter a state of moderate to severe stress with immediate physiological consequences. 

The animal reduces its feed intake because digestion generates additional internal heat that it can no longer release efficiently. Cows also remain standing for prolonged periods in an attempt to catch the slightest airflow, leading to rapid metabolic exhaustion. 

Production losses estimated between 2 and 4 liters of milk per day 

Field data confirms the seriousness of the situation. In Thai dairy farms, this translates into a production loss estimated between 2 and 4 liters of milk per day as soon as heat stress becomes moderate. In the most extreme cases, the decline can reach up to 7 liters per day, representing a direct financial loss for the farm. 

This loss of income is even more critical given the fragility of the sector’s structure. Of the country’s 15,600 dairy farms, the vast majority are small family-run operations with fewer than 100 cows. With already modest average yields of around 14 liters per cow per day, farmers have virtually no margin for error when facing climate-related challenges. 

Four technical solutions to stabilize the industry 

Faced with these environmental constraints, innovative solutions can help animals regain favorable conditions and maintain lactation. 

• Adapted genetics 

Introducing genes from local breeds into dairy herds makes it possible to develop cows that are far more resistant to extreme heat. Although these animals often produce less milk than pure European breeds, they ensure better survival rates and more consistent production throughout the year. 

• Farm building design and cooling systems 

Installing EVAP-type cooling systems or combining showering protocols with forced ventilation helps actively cool the animals. However, caution is required, as these methods create high humidity on the ground, which may increase health risks for the livestock. 

• Conductive cooling technology 

This technology uses cooling mattresses that come into direct contact with the animal while it is lying down. It effectively dissipates body heat during rest periods without increasing air humidity.

• Precision feeding 

Farmers can also adjust feed rations through specialized diets and feed additives. These nutritional solutions aim to help cows better regulate their internal body temperature. 

These solutions make it possible to transform a major climatic constraint into an opportunity for sustainable growth for industry players investing in technological efficiency. 

Publication date: May 2026 

Thailand Dairy Production