Vol. 10, Issue 3, Part D (2025)

Author(s): Sachin B Patil, Biju S, Balusami C, Suraj PT, Aziz Zarina and Surej Joseph Bunglaven

Abstract: A study was conducted to analyse the role of barn orientation and roof modification as a passive method of ameliorating the thermal stress in cattle barns. The study was carried out at Cattle Farm, University Livestock Farm and Fodder Research and Development Scheme, Mannuthy during pre-monsoon season of 2023-24. Three different treatments barns were selected i.e T₁: North-south orientation, T₂: East-west orientation and T₃: East-west orientation along with roof modification. The results highlighted the significant influence of macro-climatic variables on micro-climate. Ambient temperature was significantly higher inside the T₁ (34.300±0.288 vs 33.463±0.254 ^oC) and T₂ barn (34.217±0.264 vs 33.463±0.254^oC) than outside at 12 Noon but it was non-significant difference for T₃ with outside barn. T₃ barn showed significantly lower ambient temperature compared to outside at 8 PM (29.96±0.233 vs 30.377±0.202^oC) but non-significant difference noticed for T₁ and T₂ with outside barn. Relative humidity was significantly higher inside treatments compared to outside during 8 PM. Wind velocity was significantly lower inside the barns compared to outside. LPHSI was significantly higher inside T₁ and T₂ barns compared to outside during peak mid noon hours but T₃ showed non-significant difference. Among the three treatments, T₃ showed better performance in in-fluxing less heat during peak sunshine hours and signified the importance of passive cooling during hot conditions.