Resumen

MENDOZA MARTINEZ, Germán D et al. Modelo de simulación para estimar el balance calórico de bovinos en pastoreo. INCI [online]. 2003, vol.28, n.4, pp.202-207. ISSN 0378-1844.

A deterministic simulation model was developed to estimate heat exchange in cattle grazing in climates with temperatures over the minimum critical temperature. The model included metabolic heat (MH), evaporation heat loss (EHL), convection (CV), conduction (CD) and radiation. The MH was estimated from metabolizable energy intake, urea excretion and protein deamination. Respiratory heat losses (RHL) were estimated from saturation vapor pressure at body temperature and from inspired and expired air. Respiratory volume was obtained from ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH). It was assumed that skin latent heat loss is proportional to with RHL depending on ambient temperature. CH loss were calculated assuming a cylindrical shape of the animal as a function of AT and air velocity. CD heat loss to the floor was estimated according to grazing and resting time depending on AT and RH. Thermal radiant exchange was estimated with the solar constant (1200kcal/h/m2/animal/d). The main heat gain was by radiation (60-70%) followed by MH (29-39%), being minimum the heat associated to nitrogen metabolism (1%). The main mechanism to dissipate heat was by evaporation (60%). Re-irradiated heat contributed with 30% dissipation, whereas CV contributed 2% and CD 5%. The heat balance model can predict heat exchange response under different environmental conditions.

Palabras clave : Balance Calórico; Intercambio Calórico; Bovinos en Pastoreo.