Measuring Thermal Stress of Dairy Cattle Based on Temperature Humidity Index (THI) in Tropical Climate

Abstract

Thermal comfort for workers is very important factor to increase their performance, as well as the comfort level of dairy cattle will influence in milk productivity. The purposes of the paper is to measure the level of heat stress and then use the information to design the dairy cattle house for increasing thermal comfort. The research is started with literature review of heat stress and early survey of environment condition e.g. temperature, wind speed and relative humidity. The next step is using the information to determine the temperature humidity index (THI) level for dairy cattle with maximum THI = 86 and 84 (moderate stress). The 3D CAD model and Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulation are employed to looking for solution for reducing the discomfort thermal of dairy cattle. A scenario (fan) air conditioning to get better condition of thermal comfort have been successfully presented with final THI index = 76 and 78 (mild stress). Finally, the paper shows how to reduce heat stress of cattle house by installation 3 exhaust fans in tropical climate.