FM and milk production: herd ventilation systems in hot climates

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Purpose – The following editorial aims to highlight the potential impact that efficient facilities management with regards to agricultural ventilation systems could have in hot climates. Design/methodology/approach – Through a review of the literature surrounding different ventilation systems and their benefits and disadvantages on milk production, evidence to support the aims was compiled. Through looking at the direct effects on milk yield and how these values vary across the globe a scope of the potential effect of better facilities management was created. Findings – This paper found that although more expensive to install and power mechanical ventilation provided many benefits to animal welfare and productivity. However, in contrast developing countries were relying upon more traditional methods such as natural ventilation, which have limitations in tropical climates. By using India as a case study the potential benefits of improving productivity on the emissions of green house gases was illustrated. Research limitations/implications – The findings in this editorial are limited by the quality and amount of literature currently published regarding ventilation methods in many developing nations such as India. Practical implications – Practically it is a complex process to quantify the processes involved in milk production. Therefore, the data referenced in this editorial is subject to vary across the globe with contrasting farming techniques and livestock breeds. Originality/value – This paper brings an original view on how better management of ventilation systems; most noticeably within developing nations with hot climates could potential produce large benefits. Through increased productivity within the world's largest milk producers the green house gas emissions from agriculture can be reduced.