Behavior and Energy Losses of Cows during the Period of Low Temperatures

Abstract

Over the past 20 years, dairy farms in Ukraine have been actively introducing the keeping of cows in easy-to-assemble premises. However, in a moderate climate (with four distinct year seasons), the issues of microclimate, energy losses of animals and their behavior during the cold period of the year for keeping in such premises have not been fully studied. The purpose of this work was to study the influence of the heat insulation elements use of side curtains in easy-to-assemble premises during the period of low temperatures on microclimate, energy outgoings for thermoregulation and behavior of cows. The research conducted in the central part of Ukraine (Kyiv region). The research was conducted during January-February (29-43 days of the year) 2021. This period characterized by low average daily temperatures of -12.2– -18.7°С, strong wind gusts and daily precipitation in the form of snow. Two easy-toassemble premises for 400 heads were used for research. Parameters of placements (LxWxH): 150х32х10.5 m. The first one was without the use of curtains heat insulation elements, and the second one was with these elements of heat insulation. It was found that the use of polycarbonate wall heat insulation elements had a positive effect on the microclimate in the placement during the period of low temperatures. Indicators of average daily air temperatures in the placement were 3.2 and 8.8°C higher compared to the temperature in the same premise without the use of heat insulation elements and the environment. The wind speed also differed by 0.18 and 11.04 m/s, respectively. In addition, the heat insulation of the walls affected the temperature under the lying cow (+1.8°C), energy outgoings for thermoregulation (-1.93 MJ) and the number of cows that lay in the period of the lowest temperatures (+3.23-9.83%) compared to the placement without heat insulation elements. The difference in temperature of rubber carpet in the compared premises was significant: +3.3°C in the premises with heat insulation elements compared to the premises without heat insulation

Study of Potential Application Air Curtains in Livestock Premises at Cattle Management Farms

“…It was found that the use of side curtains made of polycarbonate produces a positive effect on the microclimate of the premises in the winter period (an increase in temperature by 3.2 • C and 8.8 • C along with a decrease in the wind speed on premises by 11.68% to 21.74% compared to those in the same premises without side curtains or with thick straw bedding). It was noted that the number of cows resting on the floor, during the lowest temperature period, increased compared to their accommodation in cow houses without the side-mounted heat-isolating panels [4][5][6]. Li Q. et al [7] performed numeric simulations of cattle management premises in order to study the influence of the eight possible operation modes of opening the side curtains installed on the walls on the microclimate and on the airflow velocity for a typical cow house premises with natural ventilation during wintertime.…”