Desenvolvimento de um datalogger, medidor de ambiência de baixo custo para vacas leiteiras

Abstract

Animal production depends on the effects of the physical environment, which influence the productive and reproductive results of dairy cows. When related to thermal stress, it causes changes in behavior and physiological reactions in animals. Based on this information, the objective was the development of a datalogger, low-cost ambience meter for dairy cows. After the assembly and connection of the devices, a program was developed in C language, responsible for capturing the data of the sensors, these being temperature, relative humidity, black globe temperature and dew point, enabling the calculation of temperature and humidity indexes (UI) and the globe temperature and humidity index (ITGU), displayed on the display of the device and storing on a micro SD card. To verify its functionalability, the device was installed in a rest shed for dairy cows, later, the calculations of the indexes generated by the equipment developed were compared with calculations performed in a spreadsheet in Excel, in order to verify its efficiency. The calculations presented the same values, indicating that the developed equipment is able to correctly calculate the ITU and ITGU indices. By obtaining these indices, it is possible to define the methods, types and layout of the management and facilities, in order to minimize its effect or provide thermal comfort.