ASSESSMENT OF THERMAL COMFORT IN BEZERREIRO: USE OF INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY (Atena Editora)

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate the thermal comfort of Holstein calves, in masonry calves, individually, by obtaining the body surface temperature obtained by the infrared thermography technique. Data collection took place during the month of October 2021, at 1 pm. Thermographic images were obtained at a distance of 1.5 m from the animal (head and side). Local climatic conditions were recorded and the indices of temperature and humidity (THI) and black globe temperature and humidity (BGHI) were estimated in the external environment and inside the pens (calf) (THIsol 79.76±0.33 and THIbaia 80, 93±0.18; BGHIsol 84.73±0.49 and BGHIbaia 84.28±0.21). The calves were kept confined in a masonry stall, with a fiber cement tile roof covering. On the sides of the bay, the walls are 1.5 m high, reaching up to the right foot (2.2 m). According to the thermographic images, the thermal exchange between the animal and the environment of the stall proved to be inefficient, as it was found that the average temperature of the body surface (side) of the calves was 37.26°C and that of the head was 33°C. Inside each bay, on the underside of the tile, thermographic images indicated an average temperature of 55.38°C. According to the estimated THI, the environment is alert for the animal category. The body surface temperature of the calves is influenced by the radiation from the tiles that cover the stalls. The values ​​of THI and BGHI demonstrate that the microclimate of the bay is superior to the condition of the external environment. It was concluded that the installation where the calves are kept, promotes heating on the body surface, in addition to resistance to the loss of this heat. Thermographic image proved to be effective in the assessment of the thermal comfort of Holstein calves, pointing out the flaws in the physical environment.