11 - Environment 1

Livestock productions

Thermal neutral zone

Temperature range where animals maintain body temperature without extra energy

Lower critical temperature

Temperature below which animals experience cold stress

Upper critical temperature

Temperature above which animals experience heat stress

Conduction

Heat transfer through direct contact

Convection

Heat transfer through air or fluid movement

Radiation

Heat transfer via electromagnetic waves

Evaporation

Heat loss through water evaporation such as sweating or panting

Heat stress

Condition where heat gain exceeds heat loss

Cold stress

Condition where heat loss exceeds heat production

Heat stress effect

Reduced feed intake growth and reproduction

Cold stress effect

Increased energy requirement for maintenance

Humidity effect

Reduces evaporative cooling and increases heat stress