Relative Humidity Readings Research Articles

Is heat stress a growing problem for dairy cattle husbandry in the temperate regions? A case study of Baden-Württemberg in Germany.

Heat stress with measurable effects in dairy cattle is a growing concern in temperate regions. Heat stress in temperate regions differs between environments with different geophysical characteristics. Microclimates specific to each environment were found to greatly impact at what level heat stress occurs and will occur in the future. The landlocked state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, provides several different environments, hence, a good case-study. Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) from 17 weather stations for the years 2003 to 2022 was calculated and milking yields from 22 farms for the years 2017 to 2022 were collected. The occurrences and evolving patterns of heat stress were analyzed with the use of a THI, and the effect of heat stress on milk yield was analyzed based on milking records from Automated Milking Systems. Daily average THI was calculated using hourly readings of relative humidity and ambient temperature, disregarding solar radiation and wind, as all animals were permanently stabled. Based on studies conducted in Baden-Württemberg and neighboring regions, cited ahead in the section of THI, THI = 60 was the threshold for heat stress occurrence. Findings show that the heat stress period varied between stations from 64 to 120 d with THI ≥ 60 in a year. This aligns with yearly and summer averages, also steadily increasing from May to September. The length of the heat stress period was found to increase 1 extra day every year. Extreme weather events such as heat waves did not increase the heat stress period of that year in length but increased the average THI. Milk yield was found to be significantly (α = 0.05) different between counties grouped into different zones according to heat stress severity and rate of increase in daily average THI. Future attempts at managing heat stress on dairy cattle farms in the temperate regions should account for microclimate, as geographical proximity does not mean that the increase in heat stress severity will be the same in the 2 neighboring areas.

Показатель пожарной опасности для лесной среды с использованием метеорологических и GPS-данных на территории Забайкальского национального парка

The main indicators of potential fire hazards are temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, and wind speed readings. Prompt detection of fire risk should be an integral part of forest protection systems. For this purpose, it is essential to use automatic instruments based on comprehensive meteorological observations. In recent years, most forest fires in the Republic of Buryatia have started due to natural rather than anthropogenic causes. To assess the risk of forest fire based on current weather conditions, the Nesterov index is used. Continuous GPS measurements, combined with highprecision geodetic techniques, allow us to regularly obtain data on tropospheric signal delays, which provide information about the total water vapor content in the atmosphere (IWV). The possibility of using the IWV values obtained to assess the fire risk of forest areas is demonstrated, taking into account data from the Ust-Barguzin weather station located on the territory of the Trans-Baikal National Park. Creating an online resource based on Nesterov's complex indicator using GPS measurements and meteorological data would allow for real-time monitoring of fire risk in forests.

Development and Evaluation of a Locally Designed Solar Integrated Egg Incubator

There is need for subsistence poultry farmers to maximize chick production to supply the increasing demand for poultry meat. This research developed and evaluated an egg incubator powered by a renewable energy source generated from solar modules. The incubator was incorporated with temperature and humidity sensors which measured and regulated the conditions suitable for the egg incubation. The direct current (DC) heater, sensor, microcontroller and DC fan provided suitable temperature and humidity for the eggs. The developed incubator was evaluated by monitoring the temperature and Relative Humidity (RH) readings over a range of time and the hatchability rate was also evaluated. The temperature within the incubator chamber ranged 37-38°C with an error margin of +0.1oC while the RH ranged between of 30-35% with an error margin of +5%. An average hatchability rate of 92% was obtained from the evaluation of the incubator. The evaluation gave a standardized temperature and relative humidity range of values necessary for incubation of eggs. The study has shown that solar energy could be used to successfully power incubator systems with good hatchability for the whole incubation period.

SG-APSIC1181: Design of a temperature and humidity alert system

Objectives: The central sterile supply department (CSSD) is responsible for sterilization processes, and instruments are then stored in a clean room until use. Environmental controls, such as temperature, and relative humidity, are important in preventing the spread of infection during the sterilization process and during storage of medical devices. Data regarding temperature and relative humidity readings in the operating room, and whether instruments remain covered for the duration of the operation, are difficult to obtain. For easy access to relative temperature and humidity data covering all operational intervals, a rapid and convenient notification system was designed using a software application to send temperature and humidity information to the ThingSpeak website. We identified abnormal values for temperature and relative humidity and submitted revisions for all operating periods to facilitate monitoring of the refrigeration system. Methods: We implemented 3 programs: (1) DHT11 humidity and temperature sensor; (2) NodeMCU ESP8266; and (3) Program Arduino IDE. Results: The ESP8266 board connected using WIFI SUTH Mobile, and the DHT11 displayed temperature and humidity. The temperature and humidity data were sent to the website every 10 minutes. When an alarm occurred, it triggered immediate notification via the software application. Conclusions: We designed a temperature and humidity alert system using DHT11. Environmental control was possible using ESP8266, and alerts were triggered in the software application when an anomaly occurred. Data were uploaded to ThingSpeak every 10 minutes. The triple system actually sends alerts through the application and records data every 10 minutes. This system can measure environmental conditions in real time.

IoT Monitoring Suhu dan Kelembaban Udara dengan Node MCU ESP8266

Currently the demand for automation and intelligence systems is very high. That's why people are showing interest in smart devices. For example, people can control or monitor their household appliances via the web or applications via mobile phones. Internet of Things (IoT), which can make these devices or hardware devices communicate, exchange data, and control each other via the web or smartphone applications. Temperature and humidity in the environment can also be monitored via the web and smartphones using (IoT) so that the air in the environment remains healthy and awake. In this study, the ESP8266 MCU Node and the DHT11 sensor were used which can measure temperature and relative humidity. The IoT platform used is Blynk which is connected to a smart phone. The results of this study are temperature and relative humidity readings that can be monitored in real time via a smart phone, making it very easy for our efforts to monitor temperature and humidity in a place

BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF INDOOR AIR ENVIRONMENT IN PRIVATE AND GOVERNMENT OWNED ABATTOIRS IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

The airborne bacterial load of two abattoirs, private and government abattoirs in Benin City was studied using the settled plate methods. The air samples were collected during and after slaughtering operations in the two abattoirs monthly for a period of six months, between October, 2011 and March, 2012. The temperature and relative humidity of the two abattoirs were determined during each sampling time. The plasmid DNA profile of the isolated airborne bacterial was determined using the alkaline lysis method. The temperature reading ranged between 25 0C and 34 0C in the private abattoir and between 26 0C and 35 0C in the government abattoir. The relative humidity reading ranged between 46 % and 67 % in the private abattoir and between 34 % and 65 % in the government abattoir. The mean airborne bacterial counts on nutrient agar and blood agar in the private abattoir ranged from 17.55 x 102 ± 3.77cfu/m3 to 108.0 x 102 ± 10.35cfu/m3 during slaughtering and 12.84 x 102 ± 1.51 cfu/m3 to 49.71 x 102 ± 3.61 cfu/m3 after slaughtering. The mean airborne bacterial counts on nutrient agar and blood agar in the government abattoir ranged from 24.63 x 102 ± 3.75cfu/m3 to 58.30 x 102 ± 6.49 cfu/m3 during slaughtering and 15.62 x 102 ± 2.97 cfu/m3 to 114.13 x 102 ± 19.75 cfu/m3 after slaughtering. The mean airborne bacterial counts grown on eosine methylene blue agar in the private abattoir ranged from 1.057 x 102 ± 2.58 cfu/m3 to 22.54 x 102 ± 5.70 cfu/m3 during slaughtering and 2.44 x 102 ± 1.41 cfu/m3 to 9.87 x 102 ± 1.41 cfu/m3 after slaughtering. The mean airborne bacterial counts grown on eosine methylene blue agar in the government abattoir ranged from 1.05 x 102 ± 5.62 cfu/m3 to 24.40 x 102 ± 4.66 cfu/m3 during slaughtering and 1.06 x 102 ± 4.24 cfu/m3 to 21.08 x 102 ± 3.94 cfu/m3 after slaughtering. The result revealed the isolation of seven airborne bacterial isolates which include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Klebsiella sp., and Escherichia coli. The frequency of occurrence and distribution of the airborne bacterial isolates revealed Staphylococcus. aureus (48.75%) and Bacillus sp. (28.68%) as the most frequently isolated airborne bacterial isolates in the private abattoir, while S. aureus (31.95%) and Bacillus sp. (41.93%) were also recorded as the most frequently isolated airborne bacterial isolates in the government abattoir. The statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the airborne bacterial counts recorded during and after slaughtering in the two abattoirs. The result of the plasmid determination revealed that the airborne bacterial isolates harboured plasmid sizes which ranged between 1.5 kbs to 25.2 kbs. The result revealed that, the quality of air in the abattoirs was greatly influenced by the population and type of airborne bacterial isolates, which play significant role in the level of hygiene in meat processing plants. The type and population of airborne bacterial isolates in the indoor air of the two abattoirs are of great concern, which serves as index of quality of air in the environment. Hence, great measures are taken to checkmate this menace caused by the poor hygienic systems in the abattoirs

Evidence of dynamical transition and maximum predictability of air temperature, relative humidity and dew point temperature

Monitoring and predicting the climatic phenomenon are the major global concern because of its devasting effects on people's lives and their environments. As a result of this, there is a need to understand the natural processes that control the dynamic evolution of the climatic phenomenon. Air temperature and relative humidity data collected from Nsukka station by the Centre for Atmospheric Research (CAR), measured in 5 minutes time steps from 1st January till 31st December, 2012 have been analysed. Dew point temperature was calculated from the actual readings of air temperature and relative humidity using appropriate empirical relation. In this paper, Average Mutual Information (AMI), False Nearest Neighbour (FNN) and Lyapunov Exponent methods were used to study changes and transitions in the dynamics of these meteorological parameters or temporal deviations from their overall dynamical regimes. The results show that the dynamic model needed to describe the data has 4-5 dimensions for air temperature, 4-6 for relative humidity and 4-5 for dew point temperature. Positive and negative Lyapunov exponents were observed in the air temperature, relative humidity and dew point temperature time series. This indicates that there exists periodicity inherent in the chaotic behaviour of these meteorological time series, causing a transition from chaoticity (positive Lyapunov exponent) to periodicity (negative Lyapunov exponent) and thereafter to chaoticity (positive Lyapunov exponent). The results, therefore, provide additional information about the climate transitions, maximum predictability and also, for formulating a weather prediction model.

HumidOSH: A self-contained environmental chamber with controls for relative humidity and fan speed

Relative humidity can affect physical, biological, and chemical changes in biological samples through modification of water activity and is also known to be important in the fabrication of sensitive electronic devices. The HumidOSH is a free, open source, and self-contained system for creating a controlled relative humidity environment within the range of 3 to 97% with a 0.2% tolerance. Each HumidOSH unit also comes with a fan with adjustable fan rotational speed to improve moisture uniformity inside the chamber. The system includes many additional features such as glove ports for manipulating samples, a sample door for transferring objects in and out of the system, ceiling lights for illuminating the work area inside the chamber, and two-point calibration for the relative humidity sensor. While relative humidity and fan rotational speed readings are displayed in real-time on the built-in user-friendly interface, the readings can also be recorded through a USB connection to a laptop or computer and the optional computer program. The design files, source code, and build instructions of the HumidOSH can be accessed at https://dx.doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WCKHM.

The performance of shelters for the conservation of archaeological sites in dry and warm climates: the case of Complutum

Excavated archaeological sites are frequently exposed to damaging environmental conditions, which could lead to rapid decay especially for vulnerable heritage such as mosaics. One of the most common solutions is the construction of shelters; however, some may not behave as expected, either because they do not protect adequately or induce decay. An environmental monitoring programme was undertaken inside and outside the two types of shelters at the Roman archaeological site of Complutum (Alcala de Henares, Spain) from May to September in 2018 and 2019. Hourly temperature and relative humidity readings collected by data loggers, together with rainfall data from a local meteorological station, have been comparatively assessed to better understand the consequences of sheltering in dry and warm areas. The results indicate that both shelters are avoiding further decay by keeping a more stable environment in relation to outside, although the more enclosed structure would be the most suitable one.

Comparative Performance Evaluation of the Shelters at Complutum, a Roman Archaeological Site in Spain

ABSTRACT The Roman city of Complutum (Alcala de Henares, Spain) conserves archaeological remains declared of cultural interest at an international level. The site presents two areas which are currently covered, the House of Hippolytus and the House of the Griffins, both with exceptional decorative programmes. Shelters are commonly considered the most suitable preventive conservation option for exposed archaeological sites, as they are able to reduce the impact of direct sunlight and rainfall. However, shelters may not fully protect a site and active decay has been often documented on covered remains. An extensive monitoring programme based on temperature, relative humidity, and light readings inside and outside the shelters has been undertaken over the course of a year (2018–2019) to evaluate the suitability of sheltering and the performance of the two types of covers from the point of view of the preservation of the remains.

Solar Radiation, Air Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Dew Point Study: Damak, Jhapa, Nepal

Monitoring and prediction of the climatic phenomenon are of keen interest in recent years because it has great influence in the lives of people and their environments. This paper is aimed at reporting the variation of daily and monthly solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity (RH), and dew point over the year of 2013 based on the data obtained from the weather station situated in Damak, Nepal. The result shows that on a clear day, the variation of solar radiation and RH follows the Gaussian function in which the first one has an upward trend and the second one has a downward trend. However, the change in air temperature satisfies the sine function. The dew point temperature shows somewhat complex behavior. Monthly variation of solar radiation, air temperature, and dew point shows a similar pattern, lower at winter and higher in summer. Maximum solar radiation (331 Wm-2) was observed in May and minimum (170 Wm-2) in December. Air temperature and dew point had the highest value from June to September nearly at 29°C and 25°C, respectively. The lowest value of the relative humidity (55.4%) in April indicates the driest month of the year. Dew point was also calculated from the actual readings of air temperature and relative humidity using the online calculator, and the calculated value showed the exact linear relationship with the observed value. The diurnal and nocturnal temperature of each month showed that temperature difference was relatively lower (less than 10°C) at summer rather than in winter.

A case-study of slums: an informal housing for people below poverty line (BPL) in India

In the present scenario, with the growth in the population, one out of every five Indians are ‘below poverty line’ which means that their income is below $1.9 per day. Slums are highly populated residential areas in the urban settlements with low incomes. As a consequence of their low incomes, they are compelled to reside in the slum areas faced with adverse conditions like lack of sanitation, availability of clean drinking water, lack of connectivity, and improper area distribution. The analysis draws on field observations of people living in such areas acquired by conducting interviews and focus group discussions. Further, using a temperature and RH meter, a digital anemometer and a lux meter, the readings of temperature, relative humidity (RH), wind speed, and light intensity were recorded. Also, the street dimensions, distance between roads and houses, dimensions of rooms are measured using laser distance meter. In this paper, the characteristics of the slum areas like the space occupation of each house, street connectivity, kinds of common spaces, distances between two houses, and materials used for construction is analysed. Improper zoning as a product of abrupt planning and narrowly defined goals of development produce a disparity in the occupancy ratio, that is the amount of space utilized by a single person is less than that of the standardized units, which in turn leads to lack of privacy. This study helps to identify spatio-temporal vectors responsible for creation of slums and tries to provide socio-economic policy-level solutions to improve their living standards, thus leading to a sustainable and inclusive society.

Análise do conforto térmico em modelos reduzidos de galpões agrícola

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o conforto térmico por meio do Índice de Temperatura e Umidade (ITU) no interior de modelo de galpões avícolas em escala reduzida, utilizando diferentes estratégias de cobertura. O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Santa Maria campus Cachoeira do Sul. As coberturas utilizadas foram: fibrocimento (testemunha), fibrocimento + pintura em branco + manta térmica, fibrocimento + pintura em branco. A leitura da temperatura e da umidade relativa do ar foram realizadas no interior de cada modelo e na área externa, com sensores DTH 22 controlados por Arduíno, divido em quatro período do verão 2017/2018. Em comparação ao ambiente externo, as diferentes coberturas promoveram redução média do ITU de 84 para 76. Observou-se diferenças estatísticas significativas entre as diferentes coberturas, em que o ITU médio do período de 77,31 observado na testemunha foi reduzido para 74,90 nas coberturas com pintura em branco. Baseado nas condições em que o estudo foi conduzido recomenda-se a cobertura de fibrocimento + pintura em branco para a melhoria do conforto térmico no interior dos galpões avícolas.

A method to obtain precise determinations of relative humidity using thin film capacitive sensors under normal or extreme humidity conditions

Abstract Dampness is one of the worst, and most common problems found in heritage buildings and sites. However, despite its relevance, sensors do not operate satisfactorily in extremely humid environments. The paper analyses the performance of heated capacitive sensors conceived to operate at ambient temperature (T) and very high relative humidity (RH) after having been demisted with short heating. Even if they show better performances than traditional, unheated sensors, they operate at the limit of their range, with severe limitations affecting their time response and accuracy, reducing but not excluding false readings. A method is proposed to combine temperature and relative humidity sensors, and warm-up them in order to reach the best performance interval of the RH sensor, and take measurements in such conditions, i.e. at higher temperature and lower relative humidity. From the combined temperature and relative humidity readings it is possible to calculate the dew point that is invariant to temperature changes. Combining the dew point with an additional measurement of the actual air temperature, it is possible to calculate the actual relative humidity. The use of this method is not necessarily limited to taking more accurate relative humidity readings under extreme dampness, but it may be also applied to improve the quality of readings with sensors that operate in their best performance interval. The same strategy can be used in too dry environments with cooling to raise relative humidity and bring the sensor into the best performance interval.

Indoor Radon Gas (222Rn) Levels in Homes in Aldama, Chihuahua, Mexico and the Risk of Lung Cancer

Radon (222Rn) is an odorless and tasteless gas that is known to cause lung cancer. The objective of this research was to quantify the levels of exposure to radon among people living in an environment rich in uranium (U). Radon concentrations were measured for 3 days in 12 homes in Aldama, Mexico. Homeowners agreed to participate in the study; hence, the sample was non-probabilistic. Radon was measured with a portable AlphaGuard Radon Monitor (Genicron Instruments GmbH), which was placed in a bedroom of each home at a height of 0.74 m. Gas levels were registered in Becquerels (Bq m−3), with readings taken every 10 min along with readings of ambient temperature (AT), air pressure (AP), and relative humidity (RH). We found that radon gas levels in Aldama exceed the maximum permissible limits (USA: 148 Bq m−3). Levels were higher at night, and were above the maximum permissible level recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency of the United Nations (<200 Bq m−3). Most residents in the area have family histories of lung problems, but it was difficult to establish a strong correlation between 222Rn and lung cancer. Federal, state, and municipal governments should take stronger action to reduce the effects of radon gas on communities.

VALIDATION OF OUTDOOR MICROCLIMATE SIMULATION FOR HOT ARID REGIONS USING A PARAMETRIC WORKFLOW

Abstract.Outdoor microclimate simulations nowadays are indispensable processes during the early stages of designing sustainable urban forms, which contribute in achieving acceptable thermal comfort degrees, by adopting passive design strategies on both urban and single building scales especially in Hot Arid Regions, which is a substantial climate change mitigation methodology to reduce the impact of urban heat island, and greenhouse gases emissions. Simulations using the numerical microclimate model ENVI-met, despite giving precise results, are time consuming and lacking the availability to be utilized in iterated, form-finding processes. On the other hand, parametric Ladybug Tools, are mainly used as interfaces for validated simulation software such as EnergyPlus, OpenStudio, or OpenFOAM to utilize them in a parametric manner, with a seamless connections among them to finally conduct indoor/outdoor microclimate maps, notwithstanding the absence of some detailed information. This paper compares results from both simulation tools by comparing the microclimate maps conducted from them, and also results at a specific receptor point. In this concern, Thermal comfort metrics like relative humidity, wind speed, air, mean radiant, and physiological equivalent temperatures readings are compared, in which the readings provided an acceptable range of errors, while the parametric workflow generates results for large simulation periods in less time than ENVI-met. The main concern of this validation process is to reach a passable accurate readings for available simulation tools which are aspired among most of sustainable urban form-finding researchers.

Method to control an air conditioner by directly measuring the relative humidity of indoor air to improve the comfort and energy efficiency

In modern society, air conditioning systems are widely used in places where people tend to congregate, such as in homes, companies, schools and work sites. Both the dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity should be measured and controlled to achieve better comfort and to improve the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems. However, the current evaporation pressure control technique based on evaporator outlet pressure reading (EPCP) method only uses the dry-bulb temperature to control the evaporation pressure, making this method insufficient with regard to improving comfort. An evaporation pressure control approach based on the evaporator pressure and the relative humidity reading (EPCR) method is developed here. The EPCR method changes the evaporation pressure based on the dry-bulb temperature and the relative humidity of the air. The performance of an identical air conditioner is measured experimentally while switching the control method between the conventional EPCP method and the newly proposed EPCR method. The results demonstrate that the new EPCR method improves both the thermal comfort of indoor air and the energy efficiency.

Inadequate thermal refuge constrains landscape habitability for a grassland bird species.

Ecologists have long recognized the influence that environmental conditions have on abundance and range extent of animal species. We used the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; hereafter bobwhite) as a model species for studying how microclimates serve as refuge against severe weather conditions. This species serves as an indicator or umbrella species for other sensitive ground-nesting, grassland obligate species. We conducted a mensurative field experiment in the rolling plains of Texas, USA, a semi-arid ecosystem on the southwestern periphery of bobwhite range, to determine whether native bunch grasses, apparently suitable for bobwhite nesting, could reduce ambient temperature below levels harmful for eggs. During the nesting season, we compared temperature and relative humidity readings at daily heat maxima (i.e., the 3 h during each day with highest temperatures) during the nesting season over the course of two years at 63 suitable nest sites paired with 63 random locations (n = 126) using two sensors at ∼10 and ∼60 cm above ground level. Mean temperature at nest height was 2.3% cooler at nest sites (35.99 °C ± 0.07 SE) compared to random locations (36.81 °C ± 0.07 SE); at ambient height, nest sites were slightly cooler (32.78 °C ± 0.06 SE) than random location (32.99 °C ± 0.06 SE). Mean relative humidity at nest sites was greater at nest height (34.53% ± 0.112 SE) and ambient height (36.22% ± 0.10 SE) compared to random locations at nest (33.35% ± 0.12 SE) and ambient height (35.75% ± 0.10 SE). Based on these results, cover at sites that appear visually suitable for nesting by bobwhites and other ground nesting birds provided adequate thermal refuge in the rolling plains by maintaining cooler, moister microclimates than surrounding non-nesting locations. Post-hoc analyses of data revealed that habitat conditions surrounding suitable nest sites strongly influenced thermal suitability of the substrate. Given that eggs of bobwhites and probably other species would experience lethal temperatures without these thermal refuges in the context of proper habitat condition, nesting vegetation is a critical component of niche space for bobwhites and other ground nesting birds in semi-arid regions. Many contemporary land uses, however, degrade or destroy bunch grasses and grassland systems, and thus decrease landscape inhabitability. Conservationists working with obligate grassland species that require bunch grasses in semi-arid regions should develop land management strategies that maximize the availability of these thermal refuges across space and time.

DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A DISCOMFORT INDEX METER FOR DETERMINATION OF STRESS IN LIVESTOCK

This research was aimed at designing and developing a discomfort index meter for evaluating transportation stress on broilers. The newly developed discomfort index meter is capable of recording and logging data every 5 seconds. The device was designed using LM35 electronic sensor to measure the dry bulb and wet bulb temperatures in degree Celsius (oC) and then use it to compute the discomfort level using the Thom model with the help of microcontroller. The newly developed equipment was successfully used to evaluate the effect of transport on the level of stress of four weeks old broilers over various distances and stocking densities using different means of transportation. The equipment was calibrated and compared with other available measuring instruments which showed that a high correlation exist between the values (r2 = 0.89).Also, a single factor (one-way) analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out and the results showed no significant difference between the two sets of values at 0.05 level of confidence which implies that the two readings are identical. The relative humidity readings of the device were compared with that of standard digital hygrometer reading using a regression analysis which also showed a high correlation coefficient (r2=0.98). A straight line regression equation y = 0.9497x + 5.1542 describes the relationship. The equipment is affordable and therefore recommended for determining stress on broilers and other livestock animals in transithttp://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v36i3.40

DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A DISCOMFORT INDEX METER FOR DETERMINATION OF STRESS IN LIVESTOCK

This research was aimed at designing and developing a discomfort index meter for evaluating transportation stress on broilers. The newly developed discomfort index meter is capable of recording and logging data every 5 seconds. The device was designed using LM35 electronic sensor to measure the dry bulb and wet bulb temperatures in degree Celsius ( o C) and then use it to compute the discomfort level using the Thom model with the help of microcontroller. The newly developed equipment was successfully used to evaluate the effect of transport on the level of stress of four weeks old broilers over various distances and stocking densities using different means of transportation. The equipment was calibrated and compared with other available measuring instruments which showed that a high correlation exist between the values (r 2 = 0.89).Also, a single factor (one-way) analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out and the results showed no significant difference between the two sets of values at 0.05 level of confidence which implies that the two readings are identical. The relative humidity readings of the device were compared with that of standard digital hygrometer reading using a regression analysis which also showed a high correlation coefficient (r 2 =0.98). A straight line regression equation y = 0.9497x + 5.1542 describes the relationship. The equipment is affordable and therefore recommended for determining stress on broilers and other livestock animals in transit http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v36i3.40