17. Special features used when forming the microclimat and comfort conditions of buildings used for breeding dairy cows in summer

We assessed the microclimate and comfort conditions in three buildings used for beeding dairy cows. They were kept as a group living on a permanent litter during the summer. We studied the factors of the environment, behavioral reactions of the animals, body and skin temperature, pulse and breathing frequency. Temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated using Tom and McDowell formulas, heat resistance indices were calculated using Dmitriev and Benezra formulas.

It was found that THI ranged from 75,7 and 80,2 when using Tom`s formula and between 73,0 and 74,4 when using McDowell`s formula. Heat resistance indices ranged from 2,08 to 2,47. Body temperature was measured in the physiological norms. Breathing and pulse were slightly accelerated. Behavioral reactions of the animals corresponded to the temperature-humidity regime in the buildings. Based on the results, the indoor environment for the summer period in all three buildings was assessed as uncomfortable and with a danger of thermal stress.