Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Measuring heat stress indices in naturally ventilated sheep shade barns in the local environment of Al-Ahsa of Saudi Arabia

Author(s):

Emad A. Almuhanna

Recieved Date: 2016-06-10, Accepted Date: 2016-09-16

Abstract:

In the harsh desert environment, a high degree of thermal stress affects sheep farming. The aim of this study was to assess thermal heat stress levels affecting sheep welfare in a naturally ventilated shade barn under the climatic conditions of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Environmental parameters within and outside the sheep barn were observed, and two linear models were developed to calculate the temperature humidity index (THI) under shade of the sheep barn. Furthermore, an adjusted temperature humidity index (THI_adj) was calculated that considered solar radiation and air velocity. The results showed that air temperature and relative humidity levels under shade were strongly dependent on the outdoor climate. The mean value of THI_shade was significantly (p < 0.05) lower (-3.5%) than that of THI_out. During summer, sheep experienced the dominant heat category, extreme severe heat stress (category IV), for 99.7% of the total hours., whereas, during spring, the expectation was that sheep would experience heat stress (category IV) no less than 45.8% of times. In autumn, potential heat stress values were in categories I, II, III and IV for 20.5%, 5.8%, 14.5% and 59.2% of the total hours, respectively, which indicated a high probability of heat stress occurrence. In winter, heat stress was generally absent (category I). The adjusted thermal heat index was particularly important for outdoor animals. The mean value of THI_adj was significantly (p < 0.05) greater (+10%) than that of THI_out when solar radiation was considered. Therefore, sheep farmed in the climate of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia will be under extreme, severe heat stress (category IV) from April to October, with several potential effects on animal welfare and productivity, therefore, shading is an advisable protection procedure.

Keywords:

Sheep, heat stress, climate, temperature, relative humidity

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2016
Volume: 14
Issue: 3&4
Category: Environment
Pages: 66-74

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