How to produce more milk with photovoltaics? (Part 1)
Heat stress in cows
The optimum room temperature for milk production is between 13 º and 18 º C. Above 25 ° C, the cow is in heat stress, with these consequences:
- Decreased food intake (not to further increase its body temperature)
- Decreased reproductive rate and milk production. The profitability of YOUR dairy activity decreases when it’s hot!
Ways to counteract heat stress
Reduce solar radiation on the ships:
- Shade (natural woodlands, preferably deciduous)
- White paint above the ceilings (increase refraction)
- East-West orientation of the galleries, with eaves greater in the south face
- Minimum height of 4 meters for better ventilation.
It is recommended to supply the food in small portions throughout the day and provide 80 to 100 liters of water per day to each animal.
Direct cooling of the animal
Fans .- They are the most economical solution and have the advantage of not using water, although its cooling potential is limited. Fans must be at a height of about 2 meters above the animal, blowing directly onto their backs and following the dominant wind direction inside gallery.
Sprinklers.- Wet directly the cow. When the water evaporates on its skin, with the help of fans, the body is effectively cooled. The sprinklers or sprays should be 1 m above the animal’s back, spraying 1 minute intervals of 5 to 10 minutes as needed.
Evaporative coolers.- By passing the warm air, preferably dry, through a water curtain, the resulting air can be lowered about 10 ° C (according to tables) for the inlet temperature, with small electricity consumption. They are not effective in humid climates, since air cannot absorb more steam. Evaporative coolers are placed often on top of roofs with higher external input and send cooled air at mid-height of the nave, and must have open spaces (windows, doors, etc.) to exit.
This part 1 is a summary of two very interesting articles of R.Araujo and J.Gasco published in Engormix.com
In Part 2, I will try to explain what is the relationship between cooling cows and photovoltaics. Do you guess?
Related articles
- Evaporative cooling (gearslutz.com)
