Assessment of spatial variability of environmental conditions in different swine production typologies in tropical conditions

ABSTRACT

Comfort index and environmental variables are indicators of thermal stress conditions inside a livestock facility.The environmental conditions of ten different constructive typologies of swine-production facilities with natural ventilation were characterized in a tropical country (Antioquia, Colombia). Temperature and humidity index (THI), enthalpy (H), animal surface temperature (ST), light intensity, and noise level were measured and computed for each typology, which were located at heights above sea levels between 800-2300. Data was analyzed as a function of each typology, geographical altitude, and time of the day. It was employed descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and contour maps to analyze the data. It was found that more than 80% of the typologies presented moderate or critical stress conditions associated with the construction typology, not suitable THI and light intensity values, especially in warm and mild-mild climates. Showing high special variability inside the facilities. New typological designs and bioclimatic conditioning for swine facilities need to be studied to be implemented in these climatic conditions.(AU)