Avaliação do microclima da área de pasto de ovinos em sistema semi-confinado do Instituto Federal do Amapá – parte 2

Abstract

The work aimed to characterize the spatial variability of temperature, air humidity, and wind speed within the sheep grazing area at the IFAP - Porto Grande Agricultural Campus. Measured at different times for a period of 5 non-consecutive days. Data collections were done in the months of September and October 2020 at the times of 8 am, 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm. A thermo-anemometer was used to collect wind temperature and speed, and a thermo-hygrometer was used to collect air humidity. There were a total of 532 points in the whole sampled area, totaling 2016 m². The data collected was used in geostatistics to define areas with different spatial variability, such as temperature, which was inadequate for animal comfort at all times sampled. The air humidity showed rates below the ideal range only at 11 am and 2 pm and comfortable at 8 am and 5 pm. The wind speed was outside the stipulated range at all times, with central regions within the established range at 8 and 11 am. As for the THI, it presented moderate to very severe stress from 8 am to 2 pm. At 5 pm it was the only one in the thermal comfort zone. Given the results, it was found that the grazing facility did not meet animal welfare standards during the research period. It is necessary to adjust the grazing schedule of the animals, as well as to propose solutions such as afforestation and the provision of water for the animal during grazing.