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Sprinkler and Fan Cooling System for Dairy Cows in Hot, Humid Climates
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1989
Year
EngineeringLivestock ProductionAgricultural EconomicsFreestall BarnLivestock HealthPrecision DairyFeed UtilizationRefrigerationDairy CowsEconomic AnalysisHumid ClimatesPublic HealthAnimal ProductionAnimal PhysiologyAnimal NutritionHumid EnvironmentHeat TransferAnimal AgricultureAnimal ScienceFan Cooling System
Comparisons were made of the performance of cooled and uncooled cows housed under an open-side freestall barn located in a hot, humid environment. The effects of cooling in a nearby holding area were also studied. Average daily milk production for the cows cooled in the freestall barn was 20.2 kg (44.4 lb) versus 18.1 kg (39.8 lb) for uncooled cows (P < 0.01). Feed consumption increased from 17.8 (39.2) to 19.1 kg/day (42.0 lb/day) when cows were cooled in the freestall (P < 0.01) and from 18.3 (40.3) to 18.6 kg/day (40.9 lb/day) when cows were cooled in the holding area (P < 0.05). Milk protein content was increased from 3.39 to 3.51% by cooling in the freestall barn (P < 0.01). An economic analysis indicated that sprinkler and fan cooling systems offer advantages in hot, humid climates.