** AWARDS ISSUED PRIOR TO JANUARY 20, 2025, WERE FUNDED UNDER PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS AND MAY NOT REFLECT THE PRIORITIES AND POLICIES OF THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION.** INCREASED GLOBAL TEMPERATURES THREATEN FOOD SECURITY AND ANIMAL WELFARE IN THE UNITED STATES. HEAT STRESS IS COMMON IN DAIRY COWS AND REDUCES THE VOLUME AND QUALITY OF MILK THEY PRODUCE AND INCREASES THE INCIDENCE OF DISEASE THAT AFFECTS ANIMAL WELFARE, COSTING THE US DAIRY INDUSTRY UP TO $1.5 BILLION PER YEAR. WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND HOW HEAT STRESS AFFECTS THE COWS IMMUNE SYSTEM SO WE CAN BETTER PROTECT ANIMALS FROM DISEASE WHICH WILL IMPROVE ANIMAL WELFARE AND ALSO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY OF DAIRY COWS IN THE UNITED STATES. WHEN WE COMPLETE THESE STUDIES, WE WILL HAVE A CLEARER UNDERSTANDING OF A COWS IMMUNE SYSTEM AND THE IMPACT OF HEAT STRESS. THIS KNOWLEDGE WILL ALLOW US TO DEVELOP STRATEGIES TO COMBAT THE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF HEAT STRESS, IMPROVE THE HEALTH, WELFARE AND PRODUCTIVITY OF CATTLE, THEREBY MAINTAINING FOOD SECURITY OF THE UNITED SATES DAIRY SECTOR.