Background: Dairy cattle in many tropical, subtropical and semi-arid regions are subject to high ambient temperature and relative humidity for extended periods of time. This compromises the ability of the lactating cows to dissipate heat, resulting in heat stress and decreasing milk production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the temperature-humidity index (THI) on milk production in cows in the study area. Methods: Data on monthly milk production (2017 to 2019) was collected from the Department of Animal Production and Health, Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka and the monthly weather data (2017 to 2019) required for the study was collected from the Meteorological Observatory Station in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze interaction between milk production and weather parameters. The monthly THI values were determined for each year.Result: Statistically significant negative relationship (p less than 0.05) was found between milk production and THI in 2017, 2018 and from 2017 to 2019 except 2019 due to the sudden death of cattle in Batticaloa district. Results of all three years indicated that milk production decreases as THI increases. It is concluded that the milk yield of cows is influenced significantly by heat stress during the dry season from April to August between 2017 and 2019, proper management strategies could be helpful to minimize heat stress to attain optimal performance of dairy cows.

The widespread of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the past decades brought numerous advantages to many individuals and most of the organizations everywhere in the world. In the 21st century, the most significant technology is the Internet of Things (IoTs) which has developed rapidly covering most of applications in the health, civil, military and agriculture sectors also. Precision Agriculture (PA), as the combination of information, communication and control technologies in agronomic practices, is emerging time by time. Also, precision agriculture is considered a smart farming system on the basis of modern technologies to regulate, examine and manage changes inside an agricultural field for cost-effectiveness, sustainability and optimal protection of environment. Meanwhile, agricultural practices are contributing to environmental pollution due to poor management which is further disturbing food security, health and climate. One of the best strategies to overcome this challenge can be introducing the deployment of precision technologies for the development of agricultural productivity while reducing the environmental degradation. Therefore, the key objective of this review was to discuss the mitigation techniques for agricultural pollution and enhance the agricultural production by smart technologies like IoTs. This paper summarizes the main categories of IoTs, Precision Agriculture, agricultural pollution and finally, mitigation practices on environmental degradation.

Abstract. Water has been recognized as one of the most significant natural resources and crucial for health and wealth. The increased demand for water has imposed pressure on the water supply system, which has led to environmental problems such as over-exploitation of water resources and breaks in the balance of the ecosystem. Determining the behavior of domestic water consumers can facilitate a more proactive approach to water demand management, and serves as the foundation for the development of any intervention strategies that seek to bring about sustained and substantial reductions in domestic water consumption. This study tried to investigate household water consumption patterns and management practices along with comparing the effectiveness of different water management measures on reducing the water deficit of the district. The primary data was collected through a questionnaire survey from 75 households belonging to the urban area in Batticaloa District in Manmunai Pattu, Sri Lanka. The data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings show that people with higher incomes in urban areas are using more water than people with lower incomes. The water usage depends on the living standards, family size, age, and education level of household members and the number of taps present in the household. It is believed that the results of the study would be beneficial for domestic water consumption in urban Batticaloa.

No abstract