Evaluation of Substitution of Meteorological Data from the Korea Meteorological Administration for Data from a Cattle Farm in Calculation of Temperature-Humidity Index

Abstract

Relative humidity (RH%) data are inaccessible in the majority of cattle farms; however, such data often are available at local meteorological stations. Thus, this study purposed use of dry bulb temperature (DBT℃) data from a cattle barn and RH% data of Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) for calculation of temperature-humidity index (THI). The scope of research was analysis of three cattle barns, categorized as barn 1 (sidewalls-closed and adjustable with windows, 1,071 ㎡), barn 2 (sidewalls-opened and adjustable with winch curtain, 1,067 ㎡), and barn 3 (sidewalls half opened, 544 ㎡) located at a livestock research farm at Kangwon National University. The microclimate data of the barns were recorded by Hobo loggers and compared with KMA data from June to September 2019. Comparison of maximum DBTºC between KMA and the barns showed no difference in the study period. On the other hand, minimum RH% at KMA was lower than those of barn1 and barn3 in June and September, and minimum RH% at KMA was lower than that of barn1 in August (p < 0.05). The maximum THI based on KMA data was not different from that based on barns data. Moreover, the maximum THI based on KMA data was not different from that of modified THI (combination of maximum DBT℃ of barns and minimum RH% of KMA). Furthermore, maximum THI based on barns data was not different from modified THI of barns. The THI calculation in barns was correlated with KMA data. Overall, microclimate information from KMA can be used as effective barn microclimate data for THI calculation. We recommend using RH% data provided by KMA in the absence of microclimatic RH% data from a cattle barn as an effective way of regulating THI inside the cattle farm.