Review of the consequences and control of high air temperatures in intensive livestock buildings

Abstract

The behaviour and physiology of intensively housed animals will be negatively affected when the environmental temperature is above their thermo-neutral zone (TNZ). It is likely that production efficiency, welfare, health and reproductive capacity of the animals will be compromised. Traditional technologies, such as the use of different cooling systems and better building design, can be used to alleviate the negative effects of high temperatures on animals. However, there are real opportunities to further develop climate control technologies and create intelligent environmental control systems that will be able to predict and therefore control both the responses of animals and the buildings in relation to selected control interventions.