Republic of the Philippines
Cagayan State University
CARIG CAMPUS
College of Engineering and Architecture
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
ABE 414
EXERCISE 3
LIVESTOCK WEATHER STRESS AND TEMPERATURE HUMIDITY
INDEX (THI)
Livestock losses can occur from hot weather stress during periods of
high temperatures and humidity. This is particularly hazardous to closely
confined livestock (those in feedlots, sorting and holding pens, trucks, and
rail cars). High relative humidity when the temperature is 27 OC or more
adds the likelihood of profitstealing losses if necessary precautions are not
taken.Temperature humidity index (THI) was developed for the US
Weather Bureau (now the National Weather Service, NWS, 1959). It
computes temperatures in relation to what it felt like a 100% humidity, so
the THI is lower than the actual temperature.
𝑇𝐻𝐼 = (0.8 𝑋 𝑇) + [𝑅100𝑥 (𝑇𝑎 − 14.3) ] + 46.4
Where THI = temperature humidity index, nearest whole number
• Safe (=70-74)
• Alert (=75-78)
• Danger (=79-83)
• Emergency (=84 and above)
Ta = maximum air temperature, °C
RH =relative humidity, %
Republic of the Philippines
Cagayan State University
CARIG CAMPUS
College of Engineering and Architecture
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Questions:
1. How many days of the month were under the Alert category?
Danger? Emergency?
- 8 days are under Safe Category, 16 days for Alert Category and 7
days for the Danger Category.
2. Why do you think you got the result above? What are the factors
that contributed to the result?
- Based on the results obtained I can infer from the results obtained
that moderate heat stress potentially causes discomfort and health
issues for some, it may affect feed intake and milk production. In
Danger Alert, cattle are likely to experience significant heat stress,
leading to reduced productivity, increased health risks, and potential
economic losses. Cattle are at high risk of severe heat stress, which
can lead to heat-related illnesses, decreased fertility, and even death.
- The factors that contributed to the result include Heatwaves that
prolonged periods of hot weather. Humidity which making it harder for
cattle to cool themselves. Housing and Ventilation like an inadequate
shelter, ventilation, or cooling systems. And also the breed and
Republic of the Philippines
Cagayan State University
CARIG CAMPUS
College of Engineering and Architecture
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
acclimation, some breeds are more tolerant of heat stress than
others.
3. How do THI values relate to the mortality of cattle? Give actual
examples.
- Temperature Humidity Index values significantly impact cattle
mortality, particularly in dairy cows. The THI categories and effects. In
Safe Category (Normal conditions, no significant stress). In Alert
Category, Mild to Moderate stress, increased heart rate, ruminal
temperature, and water intake. In Danger, Moderate to Severe stress,
decreased feed intake, increased stress hormones. And in
Emergency Alert (severe stress, risk of heat-related mortality). When
THI exceeds 80, milk production in Holstein cows can decrease by
19%. Prolonged exposure to high THI values can lead to heat-related
illnesses and mortality. A study on Holstein dairy cows found that high
THI values negatively affected milk production, feed intake, and
overall productivity.
Republic of the Philippines
Cagayan State University
CARIG CAMPUS
College of Engineering and Architecture
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
4. What livestock management practices can you suggest by which
one could ease or reduce hot weather stress during these
conditions?
- The livestock management practices that I can suggest by which one
could ease or reduce hot weather stress during these conditions are
to provide shade to ensure animals have access to shade from trees,
sheds, or artificial structures to reduce direct sun exposure. Painting
roofs white can also help reflect heat. And Ensure ventilation to
Increase airflow by opening up barns, using fans, or installing
misting/sprinkler systems. High-pressure sprinklers and fans can
significantly cool animals, especially in combination.
FEBRUARY 13 to MARCH 14
DAY MAXIMUM RELATIVE THI REMARKS
TEMPERAT HUMIDITY
URE (%)
1 32.3 74 86 Emergency
2 32 79 86 Emergency
3 31 75 84 Emergency
4 27 83 79 Danger
Republic of the Philippines
Cagayan State University
CARIG CAMPUS
College of Engineering and Architecture
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
5 27.3 81 79 Danger
6 31 75 84 Emergency
7 32 76 85 Emergency
8 31.5 80 85 Emergency
9 24.7 92 76 Alert
10 28.8 82 81 Danger
11 32 76 85 Emergency
12 27.5 89 80 Danger
13 25 91 76 Alert
14 27 87 79 Danger
15 29 81 82 Danger
16 30.5 82 84 Emergency
17 28 88 81 Danger
18 23.3 89 73 Safe
19 24.2 90 75 Safe
20 28 86 81 Danger
21 23.3 85 83 Danger
22 24.2 80 86 Emergency
23 28 77 90 Emergency
Republic of the Philippines
Cagayan State University
CARIG CAMPUS
College of Engineering and Architecture
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
24 29.3 80 84 Alert
25 31.2 76 90 Danger
26 33.5 80 87 Danger
27 30.7 77 89 Danger
28 35 78 87 Danger
29 34 82 87 Alert
30 23.2 67 83 Danger
31 32.7 77 91 Alert
