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Analysis of the Thermal Environment and Determination of Heat Stress Periods for Dairy Cattle Under Eastern Mediterranean Climate Conditions

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Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study was to determine the periods that may negatively affect the comfort of dairy cattle in a semi-open free stall barn.

Methods

The study was conducted in a semi-open free stall barn with a capacity of 100 dairy cattle and floor area of 1000 m2. Temperature and relative humidity were measured in the barn and outdoors for 1 year between May 2019 and April 2020. Based on the measured data, the temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated and then classified as mild (THI >72, <80), moderate (THI ≥80, <90), and severe (THI ≥90). By analyzing the data, periods in which stress conditions occurred at a THI above 72 were determined.

Results

The findings showed moderate and severe heat stress in the indoor and outdoor environments during May, June, July, August, September, and October. While there were severe heat stress conditions outdoors in June and August, moderate heat stress was also observed inside. In April, there was mild stress indoors but none outdoors. It was calculated that a total of 159 days of the year in the barn had a THI value above 72.

Conclusion

This study found that the Eastern Mediterranean climatic conditions, in terms of heat stress, which affects milk yield, are critical during the summer months as well as the spring and autumn seasons. Although the barn was relatively safe in terms of stress in the summer months, it will be beneficial for animal welfare not to neglect precautions, such as spraying water and providing artificial airflow with fans.

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Acknowledgements

This article was produced from Bilge Arslan’s master’s thesis.

Funding

This study was supported by the KSU Scientific Research Unit (BAP Project No: 2019/1-9 YLS).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Turkoglu Vocational School, Kahramanmaraş Sutcu Imam University, 46880, Kahramanmaras, Turkey

    Ali Çaylı

  2. Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Kahramanmaraş Sutcu Imam University, 46050, Kahramanmaras, Turkey

    Bilge Arslan

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  1. Ali Çaylı
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  2. Bilge Arslan
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Correspondence to Ali Çaylı.

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Çaylı, A., Arslan, B. Analysis of the Thermal Environment and Determination of Heat Stress Periods for Dairy Cattle Under Eastern Mediterranean Climate Conditions. J. Biosyst. Eng. 47, 39–47 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42853-021-00126-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42853-021-00126-6

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