Environmental parameters and their influence on the thermal stress of buffaloes in the Pajeú Sertão, Brazil
This study evaluated the impact of climatic conditions on the thermal comfort and feed intake of buffaloes in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco. Climate data were collected over 13 months, from May 2023 to May 2024, at the Meteorological Station of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE)...
| Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | article |
| Status: | Published version |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Country: | Brasil |
| Institution: | Universidade Estadual de Alagoas (UNEAL) |
| Repository: | Diversitas Journal |
| Language: | Portuguese English |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:ojs.diversitasjournal.com.br:article/3190 |
| Online Access: | https://diversitasjournal.com.br/diversitas_journal/article/view/3190 |
| Access Level: | Open access |
| Keyword: | Bioclimatologia Calor Clima Estresse Mudanças climáticas Bem-estar animal Bioclimatology Heat Climate Stress Climate change animal welfare |
| Summary: | This study evaluated the impact of climatic conditions on the thermal comfort and feed intake of buffaloes in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco. Climate data were collected over 13 months, from May 2023 to May 2024, at the Meteorological Station of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE) in Serra Talhada. The variables analyzed included air temperature, relative humidity, dew point, total solar radiation, and rainfall. Based on these data, the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) and Feed Intake Reduction (FIR) were calculated. The results indicated that, for most of the year, temperatures exceeded the optimal range for buffalo thermal comfort, especially during the dry months. The high THI, driven by high temperatures and low humidity, pointed to significant thermal discomfort. This discomfort translated into a substantial reduction in dry matter intake by the animals, negatively impacting meat and milk production. The bioclimatic conditions in the studied region pose challenges to buffalo production, with periods of thermal stress leading to productivity losses. The adoption of appropriate management practices is essential to mitigate these effects and improve animal welfare and productivity, reducing economic losses in production. |
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