The biggest problem on dairy farms is the microclimate in the barns. Optimal temperature, humidity, air quality and air flow are extremely important for the well-being and health of the animals. As part of the project Era-Net FreeWalk, we monitored the microclimate parameters of four cattle farms in Slovenia. We analysed temperature and humidity data and calculated the temperature-humidity index (THI). We also obtained production results from two dairy farms. The aim of the study was to analyse the microclimate parameters in two different housing systems: a free stall barn with compost bedding (CBP) compared to a barn with cubicles. We also analyse microclimatic parameters outside and inside the barn. For dairy and suckler cows, the measurements were performed both in the compost bedded pack barn and in the free stall barn with cubicles. From August 2018 to September 2020, the monthly average temperature inside the barn ranged between 0 and 25 °C. During the same period, the average monthly humidity in the same barn ranged from 68 to 97 %. The average THI varied between 33 and 73. In the barn with compost bedding for dairy cows, the THI was similar to that outside the barn. We found that several factors influence the microclimate of the barn and are critical for barn design and subsequent herd management. Some of these factors are the density of animals per m2, the area of open walls and ventilation. We have also found that there are differences in microclimatic parameters in different areas within the same barn.
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