Influence of Temperature and Humidity on Dairy Cow Behaviour in Freestall Barns

The environmental conditions of livestock buildings significantly affect animal welfare and productivity. The present research aimed to achieve a better knowledge of environmental conditions in dairy farms in relation to cow behaviour and characteristics of the barn. The project, carried out from September 2005 till September 2006, examined 41 freestall barns housing dairy cows. Data on cow behaviour and environmental conditions was collected at different times of the year. Electronic equipment was designed and developed to monitor cow behaviour and software was created in order to organise and jointly process behavioural and environmental data. The data collected have confirmed the strong influence of environmental conditions on cow behaviour. The agreement of the results obtained with literature is an indirect validation of the methodology and the equipment developed. The results obtained show a good correlation not only with the stall comfort but also with the microclimatic conditions in the cowshed. Poor design of the barns (insulation, ventilation, orientation) is reflected in animal behaviour and therefore in cow performances. This is evident considering the effect on the examined indices of THI variations also outside the range where heat stress can occur.