A Comprehensive Mathematical Model for Simulation of Latent and Sensible Heat Losses from Wet-Skin Surface and Fur Layer of a Cow

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive mathematical model that calculates heat and mass transfer from the skin surface and fur layer of a cow. The model predicts evaporative, respiratory, convective, radiant and urine heat losses for different levels of skin and fur wetness, air velocity, ambient temperature, relative humidity, breathing rate and volume of urine discharged per unit time. Effect of various environmental conditions on skin temperature and consequently heat loss from cow’s body is discussed. It is found that the heat loss through respiration is significant and can not be ignored. Evaporative cooling and respiratory heat losses are, decreased due to increased relative humidity because of increased saturation of ambient air with water particles. It is also found that very small proportion of total body heat is lost through urine in stressful hot environment.