Bioclimatic assessment of a compost-bedded pack barn system in a highland region during winter
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31533/10.31533/pubvet.v20n1e1898Keywords:
Animal environment, bioclimatology, thermal comfort, rural constructionAbstract
Thermal stress in dairy cattle represents an increasing challenge, even during milder seasons and in high-altitude regions, compromising animal welfare and herd productivity. Confinement systems such as compost-bedded pack barns have been adopted as an alternative to mitigate these effects; however, specific evaluations of their performance are still necessary. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the thermal environment of a compost-bedded pack barn system for dairy cows during the winter season in a highland region. The experiment was conducted during winter in a barn located in the municipality of Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Internal and external meteorological variables were monitored, including air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, black globe temperature, and dry- and wet-bulb temperatures, at three different points inside the barn. Based on these data, the Temperature–Humidity Index (THI), the Black Globe Humidity Index (BGHI), and the Radiant Thermal Load (RTL) were calculated. The results indicated that although the daily mean values of the thermal comfort indices remained within the comfort range for dairy cows, peaks of heat stress occurred at specific times, particularly between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with greater intensity in the central area of the barn. The observed internal thermal heterogeneity highlights the importance of adjustments in management and ventilation strategies. It is concluded that even during winter, environmental control measures are necessary to ensure animal welfare in compost-bedded pack barn systems located in high-altitude regions.
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