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Zootecnia Tropical
versión impresa ISSN 0798-7269
Resumen
OLIVARES, Barlin Orlando; GUEVARA, Eunice; OLIVEROS, Yngrid y LOPEZ, Luis. Estimation of thermal comfort index as an indicator of heat stress in livestock production in the Guanipa plateau, Anzoategui, Venezuela . Zootecnia Trop. [online]. 2013, vol.31, n.3, pp.209-224. ISSN 0798-7269.
The productive activity of animals is affected by the prevailing weather conditions in any area, the temperature and humidity are considereted as the most infl uential factors. The aim of this study was to estimate the thermal comfort index (THI) in the Guanipa plateau to improve understanding of the problem causing heat stress to livestock production in the area. Temperature and humidity index (THI) THI: (1.8 *Ta + 32)-(0.55-0.55*HR/100)*(1.8*Ta-26) at 8:00 am and 2:00 pm were calculated. Daily and monthly weather data from agrometeorological station El Tigre were used and the frequency of THI was determined monthly. The results showed average values above the critical limit for milk production and alert condition for birds in the months of the dry season (February and March) and the rainy season (October and November). The ITH at 8:00 am was below the critical level (> 71). Daily values of ITH (> 79) located in the hazardous condition, where no comfort requirements which may increase mortality by heat stress in birds. The results indicate that it is necessary to take precautions in handling and breeding systems in both cattle and poultry.
Palabras clave : Heat stress; bovine; fowl; temperature and humidity index.