Papel do sombreamento no conforto térmico de vacas leiteiras criadas a pasto: revisão de literatura

The production of animal welfare is a topic increasingly discussed on the world stage. High temperatures can cause damage to the physiology and dairy cattle welfare and thus it is important to plan facilities to reduce heat stress these animals. The provision of shade is regarded as a very effective method for providing thermal comfort and there is possibility of natural or artifi cial shade. The natural shade pasture gift features the silvopasture system, which is an adequate system to reduce direct sunlight, avoid heat stress and reduce losses. The shading could be implemented where there is no trees or while these are in the growth phase. This method can be fi xed or mobile and generally employ screens or tiles. It is necessary to build the structure of at least 3.5m in height in its lower part and choosing materials that do not absorb heat, ensure high refl ectivity, low conductivity and low emissivity. It is concluded that the shade for dairy cows is important to reduce direct sunlight on the animals and also decrease heat stress these. Both the silvopasture system as shading are useful to mitigate the decline in milk production.