Thermal comfort index in lactating cows in an adapted free-stall facility

João Marcos De Carvalho Vasconcelos,Sindynara Ferreira,Elisa De Souza Junqueira Rezende,José Luiz De Andrade Rezende Pereira

doi:10.18406/2316-1817v11n420191371

João Marcos De Carvalho Vasconcelos, Sindynara Ferreira + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.18406/2316-1817v11n420191371

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Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the thermoregulation of Holstein cattle in an adapted free-stall facility at IFSULDEMINAS, Campus Inconfidentes, by measuring thermal comfort indices. The experimental period was from the end of December 2012 to the start of January 2013, in a total of 16 days. 12 multiparous, lactating, black-and-white Holstein cows were used in a free-stall system. Rectal temperature, respiratory frequency, ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded at 3:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. The results demonstrate that despite the temporal variations that occurred throughout the evaluation days, the confined animals maintained their body temperature in balance.

Highlights

The Brazilian territory is located on the tropic of Capricorn and under the tropical zone (FREITAS, 2014)
Its main characteristic is the predominance of high temperatures as well as lack of a proper cold season (IBGE, 2006)
In the face of those characteristic high temperatures, milk farmers resort to the use of animal-conditioning structures to minimize climatic adversities on cattle, such as heat stress

Summary

Introduction

The Brazilian territory is located on the tropic of Capricorn and under the tropical zone (FREITAS, 2014). In the face of those characteristic high temperatures, milk farmers resort to the use of animal-conditioning structures to minimize climatic adversities on cattle, such as heat stress. Management is closely related to the adequacy of a project to the facilities These should be set up so as to lessen climatic adversities inherent to the environment, providing greater comfort to animals and men, during all rearing phases. Animals live in dynamic balance with the environment and react to it individually Their production is conditioned to influences of the environment, which does not remain constant over time. If the animal is not able to dissipate the excess heat, its rectal temperature rises to values above normal physiological level and heat stress ensues, which is responsible for the low productivity in the tropics.

Material and methods

Results and discussion

Conclusion