3D numerical modeling of THI distribution in livestock structures: a cattle barn case study

Abstract

In dairy cattle farming, heat stress largely impairs production, health, and animal welfare. The goal of this study is to develop a workflow and a numerical analysis procedure to provide a real-time 3D distribution of the THI in a generic cattle barn based on temperature and humidity monitored in sample points, besides characterizing the relationship between indoor THI and outside weather conditions. This research was carried out with reference to the study case of a cattle barn. A model has been developed to define the indoor three-dimensional spatial distribution of the Temperature-Humidity Index of a cattle barn, based on environmental measurements at different heights of the building. As a core of the model, the Discrete Sibson Interpolation method was used to render a point cloud that represents the THI values in the non-sampled areas. The area between 1-2 meters was emphasized as the region of greatest interest to quantify the heat waves perceived by dairy cows. The model represents an effective tool to distinguish different areas of the animal occupied zone characterized by different values of THI.