Infrared thermography for evaluation of the environmental thermal comfort for livestock

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the use of infrared thermography as a microclimate-evaluating tool and an estimate of the thermal comfort provided by four types of tree to cattle under grazing conditions in the central region of Brazil. The experiment was conducted at the Embrapa Beef Cattle Company, in Campo Grande, MS, Brazil, from June to August 2015. Evaluations were carried out over four consecutive days, at 1-hour intervals, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (local time; GMT − 4:00). Infrared thermography images of tree crowns and soil surface underneath them from the shadow projection of four tree species native to the Brazilian cerrado (savannah-like) biome were obtained. The microclimate was assessed by estimation of thermal indices: temperature and humidity index, black globe, and radiation thermal load. The previous was calculated based on records of air temperature, dew point temperature, black globe temperature, air relative humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. The geometrical settings of the trees were assessed for each tree component. Five thematic groups were formed based on multiple factor analysis that summarizes three synthetic analytical dimensions to explain the total variance among the studied elements and the existing correlations between groups. Positive linear correlations were found between thermography and the temperature measurements, thermal comfort indices, and radiation, suggesting that infrared thermography can be used as a tool for estimating and monitoring the microclimate and thermal comfort, presenting a potential use of measurement in agroforestry systems.

Thermoregulation mechanisms and perspectives for validating thermal windows in pigs with hypothermia and hyperthermia: An overview

“…In addition to these two variables, they concluded that other elements –wind speed, air pressure, body weight, and food consumption– require models to determine their influence on IRT. Those findings are similar to the observations by Barreto et al ( 156 ), who found a positive correlation between solar radiation, environmental humidity, and wind with body surface temperatures.…”

Thermography and physiology of stress in dairy calves in outdoor holding pens covered with geosynthetics

“…However, when this mechanism is insufficient, the rectal temperature of animals may increase (Rossarolla, 2007). Thermal imaging is also used to diagnose heat stress in animals (Barreto et al, 2020), since it measures the thermal radiation emitted from the surface of the body (Roberto et al, 2014).…”

Thermographic Profiles in Livestock Systems under Full Sun and Shaded Pastures during an Extreme Climate Event in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil: El Niño of 2023

“…Ref. [ 49 ], in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, the presence of native trees reduced thermal load by 24.0% in July, 16.3% in August and 29.6% in September. In the same study, an integrated system with eucalyptus shade reduced thermal load by 17.0% in July, 4.6% in August and 7.5% in September.…”

“…The thermograms were then examined using Flir Tools software, version 6.3, with the Rainbow HC palette chosen. The operator used the camera at eye level, always maintaining consistency and without the aid of a tripod, focusing perpendicular to the target, following the methodological guidelines proposed by Barreto et al [ 49 ] and Silva et al [ 50 ].…”