• Support Wokingham Today
  • Get the print edition
  • Sign up for our daily newsletter
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Wokingham.Today
  • HOME
  • MY AREA
    • All
    • Arborfield
    • Barkham
    • Beech Hill
    • Binfield
    • Bracknell
    • Charvil
    • Crowthorne
    • Earley
    • Emmbrook
    • Finchampstead
    • Grazeley
    • Henley
    • Hurst
    • Lower Earley
    • Norreys
    • Reading
    • Remenham
    • Riseley
    • Shinfield
    • Sindlesham
    • Sonning
    • Spencers Wood
    • Swallowfield
    • Three Mile Cross
    • Twyford
    • Wargrave
    • Winnersh
    • Wokingham
    • Wokingham Without
    • Woodley
    • Woosehill
    • Yateley
    Members of Wokingham Positive Difference will hear from Clive Jones MP, High Sheriff of Royal Berkshire Sean Taylor, and David Fenton from the Marketing Centre this Friday morning. Picture: Emma Merchant

    Catch a working breakfast in Wokingham with WPD this Friday

    Wijugham Pride 2025. Pic: Andrew Batt.

    Wokingham demonstrates its Pride

    A CGI of what the 48 new homes at Finchwood Park between Finchampstead and Arborfield could look like once complete. Credit: Omega Architects

    Sports facilities, allotments and 48 homes coming to major development between Finchampstead and Arborfield

    Sally Castle, illustrator, provides colourful work for the new book, Empress Matilda: My Story, written by Sally Mortimore, of Reading. Pictures: Sally Castle

    Two Sallys bring ‘nearly Queen Matilda’’s story to life

    Emmbrook Village Hall, a much loved community asset needs a new generation of residents to become Friends. Picture: Emma Merchant

    Wokingham Coffee and Chat makes way for art exhibition

    From next week, Thames Water customers will be asked to use a watering can, not a hosepipe, to water their plants. Picture courtesy of Thames Water

    A temporary hosepipe ban begins next week

    Barry Wilkinson, 41, and his pet dog Gypsy are sleeping rough in Bracknell. Gypsy is a 10 year-old labsky bulldog cross. She has arthritis. Credit: Dave Cox

    Bracknell man forced to sleep rough as council fails to find place to stay

    Shaun the Sheep trail Pictures: Ian Hydon

    Shaun the Sheep sculptures invade Reading as residents join fun trail

    Cyclists and a bus stop in Bracknell. Credit: Bracknell Forest Council

    The future of transport in Bracknell for 12 years decided – without ULEZ

  • SPORT
    • All
    • Binfield FC
    • Reading FC
    The Reading FC Bearwood Park Training Ground.

    ‘We have a special season upon us’: Reading FC fans enjoy open day at Bearwood Park

    Bobby Trundley Pictures: Peter Markwick

    Racing star Bobby extends his championship lead with another race win

    Joe Morrell of Wales - 13/10/2019 - FOOTBALL - Cardiff City Stadium - Cardiff, Wales - Wales v Croatia - UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifiers Picture: Wikimedia Commons

    Trialists revealed, including Wales international, as potential signings feature in Reading FC pre-season friendly

    Dinton SUPathlon

    Dinton Pastures to host SUPathlon in September

    Reading FC

    Former Reading FC favourite to sign for Championship team

    Andy Carroll

    Former Reading FC striker Andy Carroll joins new club in England after leaving France

    beryly Lubala Picture: Wikimedia Commons

    Reading FC transfer target joins fellow League One side

    Tom McIntyre

    Former Reading FC defender told he can leave Championship side

    Reading FC

    Reading FC to appoint new assistant manager

  • READING FC
  • COMMUNITY
    Members of Wokingham Positive Difference will hear from Clive Jones MP, High Sheriff of Royal Berkshire Sean Taylor, and David Fenton from the Marketing Centre this Friday morning. Picture: Emma Merchant

    Catch a working breakfast in Wokingham with WPD this Friday

    Wijugham Pride 2025. Pic: Andrew Batt.

    Wokingham demonstrates its Pride

    Emmbrook Village Hall, a much loved community asset needs a new generation of residents to become Friends. Picture: Emma Merchant

    Wokingham Coffee and Chat makes way for art exhibition

    Pictured here cutting the ribbon left to right are: Simona Cioinac General Manager, Jo Fitzgerald Regional Director, Pete Calveley CEO, the Worshipful Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell, Councillor Janet Cochrane, Natasha Lazovic COO and Duncan Edwards Managing Director for the South West.

    Barchester’s latest care home is declared open

    Sarah being presented her award by Peter Andre and host Steve Walls.

    Crowthorne leader wins national award

    Colour us proud: Wokingham celebrated its LGBTQ+ community with Wokingham Pride on Saturday, July 8. Picture: Jake Clothier

    Celebrate Wokingham Pride

    The artwork at Wokingham station. Pic: WBC.

    Community artwork marks railway bicentenary

    Wheel chair-using morris dancer Lorraine twirls with the side

    Wokingham foodbank has handed out a record number of parcels Pciture: Phil Creighton

    Wokingham Foodbank partners with Tesco to support local families

  • LIFESTYLE
    • All
    • Food
    • Health
    • Obituaries
    • People
    Wijugham Pride 2025. Pic: Andrew Batt.

    Wokingham demonstrates its Pride

    South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service (IWAS) have partnered with the GoodSAM Responder app in a move aimed at reducing the response time to life-threatening cardiac arrest calls. Picture: SCAS

    South Central Ambulance Service launches GoodSAM app, aimed at reducing medical response to cardiac arrest

    From next week, Thames Water customers will be asked to use a watering can, not a hosepipe, to water their plants. Picture courtesy of Thames Water

    A temporary hosepipe ban begins next week

    Sarah being presented her award by Peter Andre and host Steve Walls.

    Crowthorne leader wins national award

    Colour us proud: Wokingham celebrated its LGBTQ+ community with Wokingham Pride on Saturday, July 8. Picture: Jake Clothier

    Celebrate Wokingham Pride

    The artwork at Wokingham station. Pic: WBC.

    Community artwork marks railway bicentenary

    Wheel chair-using morris dancer Lorraine twirls with the side

    Managing director of Gabriel's Angels: "A tremendous achievement for all the group's teams." Picture: Gabriel's Angels

    Gabriel’s Angels wins care award for third year running

    Holme Grange School welcomed more than 350 people to its biggest ever SustainFest. Pictures: Holme Grange School

    SustainFest 2025 at Holme Grange: bigger, better and greener than ever

  • WHAT’S ON
    • All
    • Arts
    • Entertainment
    Shaun the Sheep trail Pictures: Ian Hydon

    Shaun the Sheep sculptures invade Reading as residents join fun trail

    Henley Festival 2025 Pictures: Garry Jones and James Robinson.

    PICTURE GALLERY: McFly and Diana Ross at Henley Festival 2025 

    Colour us proud: Wokingham celebrated its LGBTQ+ community with Wokingham Pride on Saturday, July 8. Picture: Jake Clothier

    Celebrate Wokingham Pride

    Liz Chaderton is exhibiting at Dinton Pastures.

    Works from Hurst artist on show

    Visitors can come face to face with life-size animal recreations.

    Go wild at The Lexicon

    Sparkle Vegan market takes place in Wokingham on the second Sunday of each month. Picture: Kranich17 via Pixabay

    Find vegan products at a Wokingham market

    It will feature displays from expert growers and enthusiasts from across the region.

    Wokingham to welcome regional fuchsia show

    REVIEW: “Jesus Christ Superstar” at The Watermill Theatre, Newbury

    PAMELA RAITH

    REVIEW: Death Comes to Pemberley at The Mill at Sonning

  • JOBS
  • ADVERTISE
  • CONTACT
No Result
View All Result
Wokingham.Today
No Result
View All Result
Home News Education

£1.24 million study to investigate impact of climate change on milk production

by Staff Writer
May 5, 2023
in Education, Featured, Reading
cow

A cow yesterday

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

A NEW research project is set to tackle cow heat stress to ensure sustainable milk production and improve animal welfare amid rising temperatures.

The Universities of Reading, Essex, Cardiff and Writtle University College are collaborating on a £1.24 million undertaking to investigate the impact of climate change on the productivity of cows within farm buildings.

At high temperatures, dairy cows are known to suffer heat stress, which can reduce milk yield, impair fertility and negatively affect their immune system and overall welfare.

Chris Reynolds, professor of animal and dairy sciences at the University of Reading, said: “Heat stress due to climate change could have severe negative consequences for the health and productivity of dairy cows.

“Lactating cows have a high rate of metabolism, which makes them less tolerant of high temperatures. Research is essential to inform and shape future cow management strategies and building designs.”

The project will bring together experts in animal and dairy sciences, mathematical modelling and statistics, and building design engineering, with research taking place at Reading’s Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR) and six commercial dairy farms across the UK.

Related posts

FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR: It’s good to ask questions

Discussion at Reading pub to explore black liberation theology

Individual cow behaviour will be continuously monitored using tracking sensors that record patterns of movement, activity, and space-use for each animal in the herd.

Detailed observations of barn ‘microclimates’ will also be obtained and combined with physiological data, such as cow body temperature, milk production and health.

Cows are known to adapt their behaviour to help cope with high temperatures and humidity: they may increase their intake of water, seek shade or areas of increased ventilation, or exhibit other individual and social behavioural responses, all of which can be observed.

Edward Codling, professor of mathematical biology at the University of Essex, said: “Our tracking sensors will allow us to analyse how indoor-housed dairy cows respond to, and cope with, heat stress in an unprecedented level of detail.

“By combining animal tracking data with continuous sensor monitoring of barn microclimates, we will be able to model and predict the complex interactions between cow behavioural choices and their housed environment.”

The data collected will inform development of housing designed to reduce heat stress and improve welfare.

Zhiwen Luo, professor in architectural and urban science at Cardiff University, said: “We have to respond to the changing environment and through better understanding of how cows interact with building microclimates, design housing and management systems that minimise heat stress and enable more sustainable dairy systems.”

The approach the team is taking, using bespoke animal tracking and environmental sensors from industry collaborators Omnisense and Smartbell to model how building design influences indoor microclimates and cow behaviour, has never been done in this way before.

The research consortium also has industry support from AHDB, the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, The Dairy Group, Etex, Innovation for Agriculture, and Map of Ag, as well as Defra, the government’s Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dr Jonathan Amory, principal lecturer in animal behaviour and welfare at Writtle University College, said: “The climate crisis is bringing new challenges to animal welfare.

“By utilising new technology and working with industry, we can develop innovative solutions for improving livestock management.”

Keep up to date by signing up for our daily newsletter

We don’t spam we only send our newsletter to people who have requested it.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Tags: cardiff universitycowsdr jonathan amoryomnisensesmartbelluniversity of essexuniversity of reading
Previous Post

‘Distinctive’ School Green Centre receives national plaudits

Next Post

VOTE 2023: Live blog for Wokingham Borough Council results

FOLLOW US

POPULAR THIS WEEK

Joe Morrell of Wales - 13/10/2019 - FOOTBALL - Cardiff City Stadium - Cardiff, Wales - Wales v Croatia - UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifiers Picture: Wikimedia Commons

Trialists revealed, including Wales international, as potential signings feature in Reading FC pre-season friendly

July 13, 2025
Katrin Harding

FROM THE CHAMBER: WBC’s response to the government’s new Simpler Recycling legislation

July 11, 2025
Find out more about WBC's Climate Emergency Action Plan, by visiting the council's website. Picture: Eco Pramono via Pixabay

Naturally Speaking: What does Friends of the Earth say about Wokingham?

July 10, 2025
David Hockney will be the subject of a talk given by Douglas Skeggs at Arts Society Wokingham. Picture: Creative Commons Attribution, Wikimedia Commons

Discover the buzz at Arts Society Wokingham

July 11, 2025

How to stay cool ahead of next heatwave this week

July 9, 2025
Clive Jones

Wokingham MP Clive Jones welcomes President Macron’s vision for a closer cooperation between UK and France

July 14, 2025

ABOUT US

Wokingham Today is dedicated to providing news online across the whole of the Borough of Wokingham. It is a Social Enterprise, existing to support the various communities in Wokingham Borough.

Wokingham.Today is a Social Enterprise and aims to ensure that everyone within the Borough has free access to independent and up-to-date news. However, providing this service is not without costs. If you are able to, please make a contribution to support our work.

CONTACT US

[email protected]

Keep up to date with our daily newsletter

We don’t spam we only send our newsletter to people that have subscribed

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Support Us
  • Book Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Get the Print Edition
  • Sign up for our daily newsletter

The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation.
If you have a complaint about a  The Wokingham Paper Ltd  publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance, contact the publication concerned, email: [email protected], or telephone: 0118 327 2662. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk. Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.

No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • MY AREA
    • Arborfield
    • Barkham
    • Beech Hill
    • Binfield
    • Bracknell
    • Charvil
    • Crowthorne
    • Earley
    • Emmbrook
    • Finchampstead
    • Grazeley
    • Henley
    • Hurst
    • Lower Earley
    • Norreys
    • Reading
    • Remenham
  • COMMUNITY
  • LIFESTYLE
  • SPORT
  • READING FC
  • OBITUARIES
  • WHAT’S ON
  • JOBS
  • PHOTOS
  • ADVERTISE WITH US
  • CONTACT US
  • WHERE TO GET THE PRINT EDITION
  • SUPPORT US

© 2022 - The Wokingham Paper Ltd - All Right Reserved.