The effects of stationary periods and external temperature and humidity on thermal stress conditions within sheep transport vehicles

Abstract

AIM: To identify the contributions of stationary periods and external climatic environments to thermal stress conditions for sheep on livestock transport vehicles during journeys in summer. METHODS: Two livestock transport vehicles carrying sheep, operating under commercial conditions in New Zealand, were monitored during February and March 2002. Temperature and humidity were logged in five pens inside each vehicle, as well as externally. From these data, the temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated. Global positioning equipment was used to log the location of the vehicle and whether it was moving or stationary. Regression analysis was used to identify factors that made a significant contribution to the THI within the vehicle. Regression models included the effects of vehicle, journey, initial ambient temperature or THI, pen position and duration of each stationary period. RESULTS: The THI in the livestock pens generally increased when vehicles were stationary. The highest THI value (95) was recorded in a vehicle on an enclosed deck of a Cook Strait ferry. Ambient conditions, the initial THI of a pen, and duration of the stationary period were all significant contributors to increases in the THI. Some increases in the THI occurred in stationary vehicles despite ambient conditions being mild, suggesting that lack of airflow was a critical factor. During stationary periods, 34% of THI readings exceeded 75, and, on average, the THI increased by 0.16 for every minute of a stationary period. CONCLUSIONS: Increases in the THI that could be detrimental to the welfare of sheep could occur on stationary sheep transport vehicles at most daytime ambient temperatures during summer. For a given stocking density and vehicle design, the THI of a pen increased in proportion to the duration of the stationary period. Mild ambient conditions (<25°C) provided some protection against excessive THI increases if the duration of the stop was limited, but drivers are best advised to park their vehicles where there is airflow, and to minimise the duration of stops where possible. Livestock transport vehicles during summer should not be placed on enclosed ferry decks where airflow is absent or minimal.