Emendation of performance in dairy animals using modified roof: A review

Abstract

Climate change, particularly global warming, strongly affects production performance of farm animal’s worldwide (Mote et al. 2014). Longer periods of high environmental temperature coupled with high relative humidity compromise the ability of the dairy animals to dissipate excess body heat (Marait et al., 2009). Some common and effective methods employed to reduce heat stress in dairy animals are obtained through microclimate modifications, such as use of different roof materials, fans, sprinklers, misters, foggers etc. Housing design and the material used for the roof play an important role in the microclimate modification and reduction of radiant heat load inside the shed (Badino, 2007). A wide variety of roofing materials are available viz., thatch, clay tiles, wood, RCC, galvanized sheets, asbestos sheets, plastic sheets etc. The roofing materials for animal houses are chosen based on the properties like high reflectivity, low conductivity, low under-surface emissivity, correct roof profile (slope) and maximum practical height. Due to high capital investment in permanent animal housing structures, frequent replacement of roofing material may neither be technically feasible nor economically viable. Therefore, it would be beneficial to make appropriate roof modifications, such as mud plastering, thermal insulation, solar panels, polythene shed cloth, roof paints etc.