Effect of roofing materials on micro-climate in loose house for animals during rainy season

Abstract

Aim: To find out the influence of different types of roofing materials on micro-climate in animal loose housing system during rainy season. Materials and Methods: Different shade materials were used for covered area under each of three treatments. Thatch shading roof (T1 ), Agro-net shading roof (T2 ), Asbestos with canvas shading roof (T3 ). Long axis of the paddock was east-to-west orientation. The covered area floor space was 1.5 ×1 m (excluding manger) for each animal and open paddock was 2 × 1 m. Height of shed at eaves was 2 meter. Daily temperature (maximum and minimum) and dry bulb and wet bulb temperature of macro and micro- environment under different treatments were recorded at 9:30 AM and 2:00 PM of Indian Standard Time (IST) by using maximum and minimum thermometer and dry and wet bulb thermometer. Both inside and outside surface temperatures of shade materials were measured by infrared digital thermometer (ebro, TFI 220). The statistical procedures followed were two way ANOVA and Paired 'T' test. Results: During the experimental period, maximum temperature was recorded under asbestos and lowest temperature was in agro-net and maximum protection from high temperature was given during peak hot hours in agro-net than asbestos. THI was more (P<0.05) under asbestos than agro-net and thatch.The outside surface temperature at 9.30 AM and 2:00 PM (IST) was significantly lower (P<0.05) in agro-net than thatch and asbestos. Conclusion: Thatch and agro-net were better in warding off the hot and humid environmental condition in comparison to asbestos. [Vet World 2013; 6(8.000): 482-485]

Keywords

• agro-net
• asbestos
• micro-climate
• shade
• temperature humidity index
• thatch