Spatiotemporal variability in human thermal comfort perception in open-air spaces: application to the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The objective of this study was to propose bioclimatic zoning to classify human thermal comfort and discomfort in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil; both historical and future scenarios are considered. Thus, historical series (1961 to 2017) of the effective temperature index as a function of the wind (ETW) were obtained as a function of the monthly average values of the minimum, mean, and maximum dry-bulb air temperatures (tdb,min, tdb,mean, and tdb,max, respectively), in addition to the mean relative humidity ([Formula: see text], %) and mean wind speed ([Formula: see text], m s -1). The data were obtained from 34 weather stations and subjected to trend analysis by using the nonparametric Mann-Kendall test, thus enabling the simulation of future scenarios (for 2028 and 2038). Then, to define the thermal ranges of the bioclimatic zoning, maps of ETWmin, ETWmean, and ETWmax were created from geostatistical analysis. Overall, the results show warming trends for the upcoming years in Minas Gerais municipalities. All climatic seasons showed an increase in the frequency of new classifications in the upper adjacent classes, which indicates climate warming. Therefore, when considering future scenarios for the autumn and winter seasons, attention should be given to changes in predicted thermal sensation, especially in the Central Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte Metropolitan, South/Southwest Minas, Campo das Vertentes, and Zona da Mata.

Thermal comfort thresholds for Japanese quails based on performance and egg quality.

Knowledge of the effects of thermal stress on Japanese quails helps support decision-making regarding the management of climate control systems. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and egg quality of Japanese quails subjected to different air temperatures (tair) and to propose thresholds for the temperature-humidity index (THI), the Black globe humidity index (BGHI), and enthalpy (H). Two experiments (21 days each) were conducted in four climate-controlled wind tunnels. In the first experiment, tair was 20, 22, 24, and 26 °C, and in the second, tair was 20, 28, 30, and 32 °C. The relative humidity (RH) and air velocity were 60% and 0.3 ms-1, respectively. To define the comfort thresholds, the productive performance of the birds, water intake, and egg quality were evaluated. No differences were observed (p > 0.05) for the performance-related variables, except for feed intake, which decreased (p < 0.05) as tair increased, and water intake, which increased (p < 0.5) by 15.9% starting at 28 °C. For experiments 1 and 2, with tair at 20 °C (tair,obs = 20.8 and 21.3 °C, respectively), there was evidence of cold stress. The shell thickness, Haugh unit, and internal quality unit were negatively influenced (p < 0.05) by tair starting at 28 °C. Japanese quails were able, within certain limits, to adapt to continuous thermal stress. The Japanese quails thermal comfort intervals recommended for THI, BGHI, and H are 68.4 to 76.2, 69.1 to 77.2, and 50.5 to 67.2 kJ kgdry air-1, respectively.

Three-Dimensional Simulation of the Temperature Distribution in a Commercial Broiler House.

The aim of this paper was to analyze, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), a heating system in a commercial broiler house. Data were collected in a broiler house located in the western mesoregion of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The data were collected at 10 a.m. on the seventh day of chicks' life in 16 points inside the house. A tetrahedral mesh was adopted for the simulation, and testing of the mesh yielded a geometry of 485,691 nodes. The proposed model was developed in a permanent state condition to simulate the temperature air inside the broiler house, and all other input variables were considered constant. The applied CFD technique resulted in satisfactory fitting of the air temperature variable along the broiler facility as a function of the input data. The results indicated that the model predicted the environmental conditions inside the broiler house very accurately. The mean error of the CFD model was 1.49%, indicating that the model is effective and therefore that it can be used in other applications. The results showed that the heating system provided favorable thermoneutral conditions for chicks in the biggest part of the broiler house. However, there were some areas with air temperature above and below the thermoneutral zone.

Thermoneutral zone for laying hens based on environmental conditions, enthalpy and thermal comfort indexes.

Controlling environmental conditions inside laying hens facilities systems and their effects on physiology and performance is essential in defining management strategies to alleviate the adverse effects of thermal stress in laying hens. Thus, we estimated thermoneutral zones for laying hens exposed to different heat-challenging conditions based on environmental conditions, enthalpy, and thermal comfort indexes being evaluated out in four thermal environment-controlled wind tunnels equipped with heating and air moistening function, housed in an experimental room with an area of 31.92 m2. Clustering analysis and empirical models were used to estimate thermoneutral zones for laying hens based on environmental conditions, enthalpy and thermal comfort indexes, and compare them with data available in the literature through graphics. The thermoneutral zones characterizing homeostasis for laying hens based on respiration rate (RR) are as follows: from 25.9 to 29.9 °C for air dry-bulb temperature (tdb), from 67 to 75 for temperature-humidity index (THI), from 68 to 73 for black globe-humidity index (BGHI), from 45 to 56 kJ kg dry air-1 for enthalpy (H) and 441.7-465.6 W for radiant heat load (RHL). Comfort limits for physiological responses cloacal temperature (tclo), surface temperature (tsur) and RR found in this study are 39.4-39.9 °C, 26.5 to 29.9 °C and 30 to 67 mov. min-1, respectively. The number of repetitions and the use of mathematical modeling to be worked on, may directly impact the amplitude of each limit to be established for each variable of interest.

Fuzzy system to predict physiological responses of Holstein cows in southeastern Brazil / Sistema difuso para predecir respuestas fisiológicas de vacas Holstein en el sureste de Brasil / Sistema fuzzy para predizer respostas fisiológicas de vacas Holstein na região sudeste do Brasil

Background:thermal environment exerts a direct influence on animal performance. Environmental factors, in different circumstances, may affect milk production and fertility of animals, compromising the profitability of the activity. Under heat stress conditions dairy cows reduce feed intake and, consequently, milk production. Sweating and panting are some of the mechanisms these animals use to relieve thermal stress. In addition, animals often suffer physiological and behavioral changes caused by heat stress.Objective: the goal of the present study was to develop and evaluate a model based on fuzzy set theory to predict rectal temperature (°C), and respiratory rate (breaths per minute) responses of Holstein cows exposed to different environmental thermal conditions. Methods: the proposed fuzzy model was based on data obtained experimentally (5,884 records) as well as from the literature (792 records) referring to the effect of environmental variables on both physiological responses. Input variables of each record were dry bulb air temperature and relative humidity. Output variables were rectal temperature and respiratory rate. Results: the adjusted model was evaluated for its ability to predict response variables as a function of input variables. The model was able to predict respiration rate with an average standard error of 7.73 and rectal temperature with an average standard error of 0.27. Conclusion: a fuzzy model was developed to predict physiological responses. The error (%) of model prediction for respiration rate and rectal temperature was +/- 12 and 0.5%, respectively.

Antecedentes: el ambiente termal ejerce una influencia directa en el desempeño animal. Factores ambientales, en diferentes circunstancias, pueden afectar la producción de leche y la fertilidad de los animales, comprometiendo la rentabilidad de la actividad. Bajo condiciones de estrés por calor, las vacas lecheras reducen su consumo de alimento y, consecuentemente su producción de leche. Sudar y jadear son algunos de los mecanismos que estos animales usan para aliviar el estrés térmico. Además de estas consecuencias, los animales a menudo sufren cambios fisiológicos y comportamentales causados por el estrés calórico, causando una reducción en la producción de leche. Objetivo: el objetivo del presente estudio fue desarrollar y evaluar un modelo basado en la teoría de los conjuntos fuzzy para predecir respuestas fisiológicas, temperatura rectal y frecuencia respiratoria, de vacas lecheras de raza holandesa blanco y negro expuestas a diferentes condiciones ambientales. Métodos: el modelo fuzzy propuesto fue basado en datos obtenidos experimentalmente (5.884 registros), también como de la literatura (792 registros), refiriéndose a la influencia de las variables ambientales sobre esas respuestas fisiológicas. Cada registro incluye valores de temperatura de bulbo seco del aire, humedad relativa (variables de entrada), temperatura rectal y frecuencia respiratoria (variables de salida). Resultados: el modelo ajustado fue evaluado para cada variable respuesta y predice estas en función de las variables de entrada. Este modelo fue capaz de predecir la frecuencia respiratoria con un error estándar medio de 7,73 y la temperatura rectal con un error estándar medio de 0,27. Conclusión: un modelo fuzzy fue exitosamente desarrollado para predecir respuestas fisiológicas. El modelo fue capaz de predecir frecuencia respiratoria y temperatura rectal con errores porcentuales de +/- 12 y 0,5%, respectivamente.

Antecedentes: o ambiente térmico exerce uma influencia direta no desempenho animal. Fatores ambientais, em diferentes circunstancias, podem afetar a produção de leite e a fertilidade dos animais, comprometendo assim a rentabilidade da atividade. Sobcondições de estresse por calor, as vacas leiteiras reduzem o seu consumo de alimento e, consequentemente, a sua produção de leite. Sudorese e respiração ofegante são alguns dos mecanismos que estes animais usam para aliviar o estresse térmico. Além destas consequências, os animais com frequência sofrem mudanças fisiológicas e comportamentais causados pelo estresse calórico, causando uma redução na produção de leite. Objetivo: o objetivo do presente estudo foi desenvolver e avaliar um modelo baseado na teoria dos conjuntos fuzzy para predizer respostas fisiológicas, temperatura retal e frequência respiratória, de vacas leiteiras de raça holandesa branca e preta, expostas a diferentes condições térmicas ambientais. Métodos: o modelo fuzzy proposto foi baseado em dados obtidos experimentalmente (5,884 registros) bem como da literatura (792 registros), referindo-se à influência das variáveis ambientais sobre essas respostas fisiológicas. Cada registro inclui valores de temperatura de bulbo seco do ar, umidade relativa (variáveis de entrada), temperatura retal e frequência respiratória (variáveis de saída). Resultados: o modelo ajustado foi avaliado para cada variável resposta e prediz estas em função das variáveis de entrada. Este modelo foi capaz de predizer a frequência respiratória com um erro padrão médio de 7,73 e a temperatura retal com um erro padrão médio de 0,27. Conclusão: o modelo fuzzy foi desenvolvido com sucesso para predizer respostas fisiológicas. O modelo foi capaz de predizer frequência respiratória e temperatura retal com erros percentuais de +/- 12 y 0,5%, respectivamente.

Treatment of cattle manures with aerated tanks in a free-stall system / Tratamento de dejetos de bovinos em tanques aerados em sistema de free-stall

The objective of this study was to assess a cattle manure treatment system in aerated tanks in a free-stall confinement system, where the recycled wastewater was used to clean the facilities and the effluent was applied to forage cultivation areas. A batch activated sludge reactor with a prolonged intermittent aeration system scaled to a 24-day hydraulic retention time was used, and the wastewater was diluted at a volume ratio of 1:1. Samples were taken at the input and interior of the aeration tanks, at the irrigation pipe exit, and from pure animal waste. The following parameters were determined: pH, temperature, oil and grease, total biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), total solids, total nitrogen and ammoniacal nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. The results indicated that the aerobic biological treatment is effective in reducing and stabilising organic matter in wastewater.

Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar um sistema de tratamento de dejetos de bovinos com tanques aerados em sistema de confinamento free-stall, com reciclagem do efluente para a limpeza das instalações e posterior utilização em áreas de cultivo de forragens. Utilizou-se um reator, operado pelo processo de lodo ativado por batelada, com sistema de aeração prolongada e intermitente, dimensionado para um tempo de retenção hidráulico de 24 dias, com diluição dos dejetos em água na proporção de volume 1:1. Foram realizadas amostragens na entrada e no interior dos tanques de aeração, na saída da tubulação de irrigação e dos dejetos puros dos animais. Determinou-se os parâmetros: pH, temperatura, óleos e graxas, demandas bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO) e química de oxigênio (DQO) totais, sólidos totais, nitrogênio total e nitrogênio amoniacal, potássio, fósforo e magnésio. Por meio dos resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que o tratamento biológico aeróbio foi eficiente para reduzir e estabilizar a matéria orgânica do efluente líquido.

Eficiência de sistema de aquecimento auxiliar para aviários, com base nos índices de conforto térmico / Auxiliary heating system efficiency for poultry housing, based on thermal indexes

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar protótipos de aquecedor solar para pintinhos com 1,0; 1,5 e 2,0 m de diâmetro (tratamentos AQ1, AQ2 e AQ3, respectivamente) com base nos índices de conforto térmico no município de Marechal Candido Rondon, Paraná. Valores de temperatura de globo negro, bulbo seco, bulbo úmido e velocidade do vento foram registrados acima do dissipador e nas condições externas. Os dados foram coletados a cada duas horas, entre 08h00min e 16h00min durante o período experimental. Com base em valores horários por aquecedor, o Índice de Temperatura e Umidade (ITU) e o Índice de Temperatura Globo Umidade (ITGU) não apresentaram resultados que diferenciassem entre os coletores avaliados. A maior Carga Térmica de Radiação (CTR) foi observada para AQ1 e AQ2 às 14 h. Quando se comparam os aquecedores, independente do horário de observação, verifica-se que os maiores valores de ITU e ITGU ocorreram para AQ1 e AQ3 e a CTR para AQ1. O horário para o qual foram observados os maiores valores destes índices foi às 14 h. Concluiu-se que o sistema de aquecimento pode se constituir uma alternativa para uso em aviários já que propicia condições de conforto térmico semelhante aos sistemas empregados comercialmente.

This study had as objective to evaluate prototypes of solar heater for broiler chicken with diameter of 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0 m (treatments AQ1, AQ2 and AQ3, respectively) based on the thermal comfort indexes in Marechal Candido Rondon, Paraná State, Brazil. The values of black globe temperature, dry bulb, wet bulb and wind speed were registered above the heater and in the external conditions. Data were collected each two hours, between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM during the experimental period. Based on hourly values for heater, the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) and the Black Globe Humidity Index (BGHI) didn't present results that differentiated the appraised heaters. The highest value of Thermal Heat Load (THL) was observed for AQ1 and AQ2 at 2:00 PM. When the heaters are compared, independent of the observation schedule, was verified that the largest values of THI and BGHI occurred for AQ1 and AQ3 and CTR for AQ1. The time which were observed the largest values of these indexes was 2:00 PM. It was concluded that the heating system can be constituted an alternative for use in aviaries considering that provide similar conditions of thermal comfort that the commercial systems.

A fuzzy system for cloacal temperature prediction of broiler chickens / Sistema fuzzy para a predição da temperatura cloacal de frangos de corte

Cloacal temperature (CT) of broiler chickens is an important parameter to classify its comfort status; therefore its prediction can be used as decision support to turn on acclimatization systems. The aim of this research was to develop and validate a system using the fuzzy set theory for CT prediction of broiler chickens. The fuzzy system was developed based on three input variables: air temperature (T), relative humidity (RH) and air velocity (V). The output variable was the CT. The fuzzy inference system was performed via Mamdani's method which consisted in 48 rules. The defuzzification was done using center of gravity method. The fuzzy system was developed using MAPLE® 8. Experimental results, used for validation, showed that the average standard deviation between simulated and measured values of CT was 0.13°C. The proposed fuzzy system was found to satisfactorily predict CT based on climatic variables. Thus, it could be used as a decision support system on broiler chicken growth.

A temperatura cloacal (TC) de frangos de corte é um importante parâmetro para classificar a sua condição de conforto, portanto, a sua predição pode ser usada no suporte à decisão de acionamento de sistemas de climatização. Objetivou-se com a presente pesquisa desenvolver e validar um sistema, utilizando a teoria dos conjuntos fuzzy para predição da TC de frangos de corte. O sistema fuzzy foi desenvolvido com base em três variáveis de entrada: temperatura do ar (T), umidade relativa (UR) e velocidade do ar (V), tendo, como variável de saída, a TC. A inferência fuzzy foi realizada por meio do método tipo Mamdani, que consistiu na elaboração de 48 regras e a defuzzificação por meio do método do Centro de Gravidade. O sistema fuzzy foi desenvolvido no ambiente computacional MAPLE® 8. Resultados experimentais, usados para a validação, mostraram que o desvio padrão médio entre os valores simulados e medidos de TC foi de 0,13°C. O sistema fuzzy proposto prediz satisfatoriamente a TC com base nas variáveis climáticas, podendo ser utilizado como suporte à decisão em sistemas de criação de frangos de corte.

Predição do índice de temperatura do globo negro e umidade e do impacto das variações climáticas em galpões avícolas climatizados / Prediction of black globe humidity index and of the impact of climate changes on acclimatized broiler houses

Objetivou-se, com o presente trabalho, adaptar e validar um modelo para predição do índice de temperatura de globo negro e umidade (ITGU) no interior de galpões climatizados e analisar o efeito das variações climáticas sobre o ambiente térmico de produção por meio de cenários futuros. Os dados experimentais utilizados para o ajuste e validação do modelo matemático foram coletados em dois galpões avícolas climatizados, equipados com sistema de ventilação em modo túnel negativo e sistemas de resfriamento evaporativo do tipo material poroso umedecido e nebulização. Predições dos valores de ITGU foram estatisticamente iguais às observadas (teste t, P>0,05), com erro de 1,55±1,08 por cento. Considerando o sistema analisado, observou-se que as mudanças climáticas previstas pelos cenários futuros tornarão os ambientes menos propícios à produção de frangos de corte, especialmente nas estações de primavera e verão, nas quais os valores de ITGU foram acima do limite de conforto.

The goal of this work was to adapt and to validate a model to predict black globe humidity index (BGHI) inside of acclimatized broiler houses, and analyzing the effect of climate changes on the thermal environment of production through the future scenarios. The experimental data used to adjust and validate of mathematical model were measured in two acclimatized broiler houses equipped with negative tunnel ventilation system coupled to pad and mist cooling systems. Prediction of BGHI values were statically equal to the observed (t test, P>0.05), with error of 1.55±1.08 percent. Considering the system analyzed, the climate change foreseen by the future scenarios will turn the environment unsuitable for broiler chicken production, especially during spring and summer that presented BGHI values above to the comfort limit.

Avaliação do bem-estar de frangos de corte em dois galpões comerciais climatizados / Evaluation of poultry well-being in two commercial climatized poultry houses

Objetivou-se, com esta pesquisa, avaliar as condições do ambiente interno em dois galpões comerciais de frangos de corte equipados com dois sistemas de resfriamento diferentes: placas porosas umedecidas de celulose associadas à nebulização (SRPN) e placas umedecidas de sombrite associadas à nebulização (SRSN). Nos galpões estudados, situados em Itaberaí, GO, foram avaliadas quatro variáveis térmicas (temperatura, índice de temperatura de globo negro e umidade, carga térmica de radiação e entalpia), três respostas fisiológicas (temperaturas retal e da pele, e frequência respiratória) e três índices de desempenho produtivo (ganho de peso, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar) das aves. Os resultados indicaram que os sistemas avaliados não foram suficientemente adequados para promover condições de conforto às aves, não sendo observada diferença estatística significativa entre o desempenho das aves neles alojados. A taxa de mortalidade no galpão SRSN foi 15 por cento maior em relação ao galpão SRPN, porém, ambas são inferiores àquelas sugeridas para as aves em estudo.

The main goal of this study was to evaluate the environmental conditions inside two commercial broiler houses equipped with different cooling systems: wet cellulose pads associated with misting (SRPN) and wet black screen pads associated with misting (SRSN). In the studied broiler houses, located in Itaberaí, Goiás, Brazil, four thermal variables (temperature, black globe temperature and humidity indices, thermal radiation load and enthalpy), three physiological responses (rectal temperature, skin temperature and respiration frequency), and three productivity performance indexes (weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion) for broiler chickens were evaluated. The results indicate that the evaluated systems were not sufficient to promote thermal comfort conditions for the birds and in general, no significant statistical difference was noticed between the performances of the birds raised in the two broiler houses. The mortality rate in the SRSN system was 15 percent higher than in the SRPN system, however, both are lower than those suggested for the birds under study.