Features of the formation and monitoring of the microclimate in non-insulated barns: unresolved issues

Abstract

Modern non-insulated barns (NB) for free-stall housing of dairy cows differ from traditional (typical) capital buildings. The formation of the microclimate in such farms is significantly dependent on the state of the environment and their design features. The aim of the work was to give a review of the literature and the results of our own research on creating comfortable conditions for dairy cows in the NB. Our studies indicate the heterogeneity of the microclimate formation in different parts of the NB, which was largely due to the state of the external environment. The use of only natural ventilation through open side curtains and light ridges, as well as additional mechanical ventilation (due to horizontal axial fans) cannot always provide comfortable conditions for animals, especially in hot periods of the year. The literature analysis showed that this can be caused by factors affecting the formation and movement of air masses in the building itself (depending on the number of animals, the condition of the litter, the operation of internal equipment, including space-planning and design features, type and quality of materials of enclosing structures) as well as the weather conditions outside buildings (temperature, humidity, wind strength and also relief). Investigations related to remote methods of microclimate control (using appropriate portable devices) and identification of (critical) control points of deterioration of the air environment in NBs will be promising. Monitoring of them will allow timely to adopt the necessary management decisions for ensuring the comfort of dairy cows in extreme weather conditions. Climate prediction methods based on meteorological data in the area of the NB location and the development of intelligent ventilation systems using mathematical modeling that take into account the behavioral and physiological responses of animals to environmental changes will be especially in demand.

Keywords

• naturally ventilated barns
• design features
• cow comfort
• technical solutions
• heat stress
• modeling