Sirvi Autor "Conti, L." järgi

Nüüd näidatakse 1 - 20 28

Alarm guard systems for the prevention of damage produced by ungulates in a chestnut grove of Middle Italy
(2018) Conti, L.; Bartolozzi, S.; Iacobelli, S.; Racanelli, V.; Sorbetti Guerri, F.
Wildlife populations, in particular ungulates and carnivores, have had a significant increase in most Italian regions over the last decades and for this reason ecosystems and agricultural and forest productions are threatened by damage produced by wildlife. In order to evaluate effective met hodologies and technologies to mitigate the impact of this phenomenon, innovative protection systems, such as electronic acoustic alarm guard sensors, were tested. These devices are able to randomly produce a significant number of sounds and light projecti ons. At the same time, camera traps were used, as a support instrument to show the presence or absence of wild fauna. Video analysis has provided information on the effectiveness of security systems, on the most suitable methods of installation and managem ent of devices and their ecological impact. Experimental trials were carried out in a chestnut grove located in an Apennine area of the Middle Italy during the harvesting period (autumn). The results obtained have shown that these technologies seem to be particularly suitable for crops that concentrate production in a short time (e.g. vine and chestnut) and in areas not excessively large. Widespread use of devices could mitigate the conflict between public bodies involved in the management of wildlife and farmers.
Alternative form to obtain the black globe temperature from environmental variables
(2019) Zanetoni, H.H.R.; Tinôco, I.F.F.; Barbari, M.; Conti, L.; Rossi, G.; Baêta, F.C.; Vilela, M.O.; Teles Junior, C.G.S.; Andrade, R.R.
Reaching thermal comfort conditions of animals is essential to improve well-being and to obtain good productive performance. For that reason, farmers require tools to monitor the microclimatic situation inside the barn. Black Globe-Humidity Index (BGHI) acts as a producer management tool, assisting in the management of the thermal environment and in decision making how protect animals from heat stress. The objective of this work was to develop a mathematical model to estimate the black globe temperature starting from air temperature, relative humidity and air velocity. To reach this goal, data of air temperature and humidity were collected, with the aid of recording sensors. The black globe temperature was measured with a black copper globe thermometer and the air velocity was monitored with a hot wire anemometer. Data were analysed using a regression model to predict the black globe temperature as a function of the other variables monitored. The model was evaluated, based on the significance of the regression and the regression parameters, and the coefficient of determination (R²). The model proved to be adequate for the estimation of the black globe temperature with R2 = 0.9166 and the regression and its parameters being significant (p < 0.05). The percentage error of the model was low (approximately 2.2%). In conclusion, a high relation between the data estimated by the model with the data obtained by the standard black globe thermometer was demonstrated.
Application of pineapple fiber in the development of sustainable mortars
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2021) De Azevedo, A.R.G.; Rocha, H.A.; Marvila, M.T.; Cecchin, D.; Xavier, G.C.; Da Silva, R.C.; Ferraz, P.F.P.; Conti, L.; Rossi, G.
Due to the great worldwide increase in pineapple production, countries like Brazil and India have problems regarding the correct disposal of residues from the production of this fruit. One of the possibilities is the reuse of these residues in the form of fibers in cementitious materials, as is the case with mortars. As a result, the objective of this work is to evaluate the application of pineapple fibers in mortars in the proportion of 1: 4 (cement: sand) with addition of fiber treated in NaOH in the proportion of 3 and 6%. The properties of mechanical resistance, water absorption, mass density and adhesion were evaluated, aiming to apply the mortar in coatings of rural environments. The results indicate that the fibers reduced the mortar density and increased the mechanical strength. However, there was a reduction in adherence, especially with the use of 6% fiber, in addition to an increase in water absorption. Based on the results, it is concluded that it is feasible to use 3% of pineapple fiber for the production of coating mortars in rural environments because the results obtained in the investigation are compatible with this application and with the established normative limits.
Assessment of CO2 emission rate from extended area sources with WindTrax model in a dairy cattle farm
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Mattia, A.; Merlini, M.; Squillace, F.; Rossi, G.; Conti, L.; Becciolini, V.
This paper aimed to evaluate the WindTrax model to quantify CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions in a commercial dairy cattle farm in Central Italy with a low-cost measurement system. A field trial of 20 minutes was conducted in February 2023, using two G-eko 2.0 MSPs (multi-sensor platforms), an anemometer, and a GNSS receiver, in unstable atmospheric conditions. Then, 5-minute averaged data were used as input in the WindTrax software for applying the backward Lagrangian Stochastic model. The model was used for calculating four mean CO2 emission rates (0.20212 ± 0.04994 g m-2 s-1) with 50,000 particles and the horizontal dispersion of CO2 concentrations around the sources using different numbers of particles (5,000, 10,000, 30,0000, and 50,000). Atmospheric dispersion maps, confidence interval concentration maps, and vertical profile plots were obtained by increasing the number of particles. The model shows better performances, in terms of confidence intervals, with a high number of particles with a stabilization of modeled median values between 30,000 and 50,000 particles. Horizontally, the lowest confidence intervals (near to zero) were obtained at 100–150 m from the sources along the wind direction, suggesting that the downwind sensor could be placed at a greater distance. Similarly, a better-defined vertical trend in modeled concentrations is observed as the number of particles increases. Wind gusts could have a great effect on emission rate calculation with limited sampling periods, as in this case, but simultaneously unstable atmospheric conditions affect the increased dispersion and dilution of CO2.
Assessment of spatial variability of environmental variables of a typical house of laying hens in Colombia: Antioquia state Case
(2020) Ferraz, P.F.P.; Gonzalez, V.C.; Ferraz, G.A.S.; Damasceno, F.A.; Osorio, J.A.S.; Conti, L.
This paper aimed to analyze the magnitude and spatial variability of environmental variables: Temperature and Relative Humidity Index (THI), Radiant Thermal Load (RTL), Globe Temperature and Relative Humidity Index (BGTH) and Enthalpy (H), inside a house for laying hens, in the state of Antioquia (Colombia) during the month of August. A traditional Colombian poultry house with natural ventilation was used. All variables were manually measured at equally spaced 1.0×1.0 m points, totaling 99 data collection points inside the poultry house. Geostatistical techniques were used through semivariogram analysis, and isochore maps were generated through data interpolation by kriging. The semivariogram was fitted by the restricted maximum likelihood method. The used mathematical model was the spherical one. After adjusting the semivariograms, the data were interpolated by ordinary kriging. The semivariograms and the isochore maps allowed identifying the non-uniformity of the spatial distribution of all evaluated variables throughout the poultry house. The results show that THI, RTL, BGTH and, H presented values above the comfort limits in the most significant part of the poultry house during the observed period. It is possible to concluded that the use of natural ventilation alone was not sufficient to guarantee the homeothermy conditions for the layers. Thus, it is suggested that in addition to natural ventilation, secondary modifications should be used to improve farm productivity.
Building performance analysis of a dairy factory in South Iraq: appraisal of a local bio-based envelope
(2021) Simonini, S.; Rossi, G.; Becciolini, V.; Camiciottoli, S.; Conti, L.; Ferraz, P.F.P.; Ferraz, G.A.S.; Barbari, M.
Buildings have a relevant impact on the environment, and building materials cause environmental impacts during all life cycle stages: production, utilization, management and demolition. The global request for more efficient buildings with less environmental impacts has grown during the last years. Among various technologies, thermal insulation has proven to be helpful in reducing emissions by increasing energy conservation. This paper intends to show how the Building Performance Analysis (BPA) supports the decision-making process in many areas where common insulation materials are not available and there is a general reluctance to use local natural materials. A building located in the city of Al Chubaish in Dhi Qar Province in Iraq is examined as a case study. The construction is designed for processing buffalo milk. It was built in the first decade of the century, during the Iraqi conflict, using only the materials available at that time, most of which, concrete bricks, mortar and plaster. Currently, this dairy factory is a very inefficient structure in terms of energy saving. But because its elementary form, it is a perfect example to investigate how a simple exterior wall insulation can improve building performance in extreme environmental conditions. Accordingly, two different models have been created. One is the replica of the real building without any upgrading. The second instead presents a thermal insulation realized with reed bio-based material locally available. Through advanced simulation engines and building performance analysis data integrated into Autodesk Revit, each model has been tested to identify significant improvements in terms of energy savings in this particular stressed background.
Chemical analyses of lignocellulosic materials residue for cement panels reinforcement
(2020) Ferraz, P.F.P.; Mendes, R.F.; Ferraz, G.A.S.; Rossi, G.; Conti, L.; Barbari, M.
The use of lignocellulosic material residue in cement composites is on the rise as sustainable building materials in most developing countries. Besides, this alternative is seen as a good option for new cement panels formulations for indoor applications. Thus, the current paper aims to evaluate de chemical properties of five potential lignocellulosic materials residues to be used for cement panels reinforcement: Eucalyptus, sugarcane bagasse, coconut fibre, coffee rusk, and banana pseudostem. The following physical properties of the lignocellulosic materials were evaluated: lignin, extractives, ash, and holocellulose. To evaluate the similarity of the chemical composition of the lignocellulosic materials, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) was used identified by using Ward’s method of cluster analysis. These compositions were grouped by dendrograms in which the similarity of these data was qualified. It was observed that there were statistical differences among all types of lignocellulosic materials related to the chemical composition. Coconut showed the smallest amount of extractives, and sugar cane the most significant amount. Eucalyptus and coffee husk presented the most similar chemical composition. All of the evaluated materials could be used in fibre cement production for indoor applications.
Comparison of spatial-temporal analysis modelling with purely spatial analysis modelling using temperature data obtained by remote sensing
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2021) Dos Santos, L. M.; Ferraz, G.A.S.; Alves, H.J.P.; Rodrigues, J.D.P.; Camiciottoli, S.; Conti, L.; Rossi, G.
Variations in climatic elements directly affect the productivity of agricultural activities. Temperature is one of the climatic elements that varies in space and time.Therefore, understanding spatial variations in temperature is essential for many activities. Given the above, the objective of this work was to compare the performance of the proposed spatiotemporal analysis model with that of purely spatial analysis using temperature data obtained by remote sensing. The experimental data were arranged in a grid with 403 spatial locations, with 22 samples collected in a 24-hour period. The statistical software R Core Team (2020) was used to perform the analysis. The packages used in the analyses were ‘geoR’, ‘CompRandFld’, ‘scatterplot3d’, and ‘fields’. For making the maps, the software ArcGIS was used. The behavioural analysis of spatiotemporal dependence indicated, through the covariogram graph of the data, that there is a strong spatial dependence. For the cases of purely spatial analysis of phenomena, a separate spatial model for each time is justified because this type of model presents a smaller prediction error and requires simpler processing than the space-time model. It was possible to compare the space-time analysis with the purely spatial analysis using temperature data obtained by remote sensing images. The data modelled with the purely spatial analysis had, on average, lower error than those with the space-time model.
Computational fluids dynamics (CFD) in the spatial distribution of air velocity in prototype designed for animal experimentation in controlled environments
(2019) Vilela, M.O.; Gates, R.S.; Martins, M.A.; Barbari, M.; Conti, L.; Rossi, G.; Zolnier, S.; Teles Junior, C.G.S.; Zanetoni, H.H.R.; Andrade, R.R.; Tinôco, I.F.F.
Maintaining a comfortable and productive thermal environment is one of the major challenges of poultry farming in tropical and hot climates. The thermal environment encompasses a number of factors that interact with each other and reflect the actual thermal sensation of the animals. These factors characterize the microclimate inside the facilities and influence the behaviour, performance and well-being of the birds. Thus, the objective of this study is to propose and validate a computational model of fluid dynamics to evaluate the spatial distribution of air velocity and the performance of a system designed to control air velocity variation for use in experiments with birds in controlled environment. The performance of the experimental ventilation prototype was evaluated based on air velocity distribution profiles in cages. Each prototype consisted of two fans coupled to a PVC pipe 25 cm in diameter, one at each end of the pipe, with airflow directed along the entire feeder installed in front of the cages. The contour conditions considered for the simulation of airflow inside the cage were air temperature of 35 °C at the entrance and exit of the cage; air velocity equal to 2.3 m s -1 at the entrance of the cage; pressure of 0 Pa. The model proposed in this study was representative when compared to the experimental measurements, and it can be used in the study of air flow behaviour and distribution for the improvement of the prototype design for later studies.
Criteria of design for deconstruction applied to dairy cows housing: a case study in Italy
(2018) Leso, L.; Conti, L.; Rossi, G.; Barbari, M.
This work aims at presenting the design process of a new barn for dairy cows. Project embraces several concepts that are rather new to the dairy industry and will deeply affect its environmental, economic and social sustainability. The barn will be built o n a green field site located in Cervasca (CN) in the region of Piedmont. Building has been designed applying the emerging principle of "design for deconstruction" extensively. A series of constructive solutions was developed allowing for complete end - of - li fe disassembly and reuse of building materials. Structural system will consist of locally sourced timber connected by steel joints. Foundations will be realized by means of chestnut wood piles driven into the ground. The employment of an alternative housin g system for dairy cows based entirely on cultivated pack will allow limiting the use of cast - in - place concrete, which is largely employed in conventional dairy barns. The cultivated pack needs a large space per cow leading the building to be particularly extended. The large covered area combined with the high snow load of the building site posed several challenges. Accumulation of snow on the roof would increase dramatically the structural load and therefore construction costs. Therefore, the building will consist of several 12m - large modules with 4m free space between them. Given the unusual shape of the barn and the limited use of concrete for flooring, the development of efficient systems for livestock management required the study of dedicated solutions . A first module, already realized to collect useful information for final design, is described.
Effect of environmental temperature during the of brooding period on growing period of pullets viscera and tibia
(2019) Cândido, M.G.L.; Tinôco, I.F.F.; Barbari, M.; Freitas, L.C.S.R.; Dos Santos, T.C.; Andrade, R.R.; Gates, R.S.; Conti, L.; Rossi, G.
Poultry production in subtropical and tropical regions faces many problems, one of which is the high air temperature causing thermal stress, particularly dangerous in high-producing birds. Thus, the negative effects caused by heat stress (HS) must be managed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of four different levels of HS in viscera and tibia of pullets. A total of 648 chicks (Lohmann LSL Lite) were used in this study in two different phases. The pre-experimental phase (PEP) was from day 1 through 6 weeks of age. The birds were reared with three different environmental temperatures: thermal comfort, hot and cold. The experimental phase (EP) was conducted from the 7th to the 17th week. Pullets from each thermal environment of the PEP were submitted to: 20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C. At the end of the 17th week of age 120 pullets were euthanatized and the organs, heart, liver, spleen and gizzard were weighed, as also their tibias. Effects of PEP, and its interaction with EP, were not significant (P < 0.05) for viscera and tibia weight. However, a significant increase (P < 0.05) in heart weight with the decrease of the environmental temperature was observed, being the pullets subject to 20ºC and 25 °C with the heaviest weights. For the liver, pullets subject to the 35 °C had the lowest weight and were different (P < 0.05) from the other three treatments. For gizzard, the difference (P < 0.05) was between the treatments 20ºC and 35 °C. These results indicate that brooding temperatures tested during the first 6 weeks of life did not affect the viscera and bone weight during the growing phase.
Effect of thermal environment on body temperature of early-stage laying hens
(2018) Andrade, R.R.; Tinôco, I.F.F.; Souza, C.F.; Oliveira, K.P.; Barbari, M.; Cruz, V.M.F.; Baptista, F.J.F.; Vilela, M.O.; Conti, L.; Rossi, G.
The thermal comfort condition of early - stage laying hens can be verified by means of physiological variations. The mean surface temperature and cloacal temperature are important parameters to d emonstrate the effect of the thermal environment on the birds. The objective of the present study was to correlate homeostasis and stress with physiological responses (mean surface temperature and cloacal temperature) of lightweight laying hens of the Lohm ann LSL Lite line aged from one to forty - two days when submitted to different thermal environments. A total of 864 birds with the same age, origin and uniform body weight were randomly distributed in four climatic chambers. The characterization of the dif ferent environments was as follows: thermal comfort temperature (33.0 – 19.0 °C ), two cold stress levels (28.0 – 17.0 °C and 25.0 – 17.0 °C ) and one level of heat stress (38.0 °C – 22.0 °C ). The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design in the s ubdivided plots scheme, with four treatments in the plots and the evaluations (days) in the subplots. The means were compared using the Tukey test, adopting the 5% probability level. The birds maintained the physiological responses, based on cloacal and su rface temperatures, within the normal range for all evaluated treatments during the period between 01 and 42 days of life. The surface temperature of the birds varied as a function of the air temperature of each breeding environment, with lower surface temperatures for mild cold and moderate cold treatments.
Implementation of practical solutions to improve buffalo breeding development in rural areas of South Iraq
(2018) Rossi, G.; Conti, L.; Al-Fartosi, K.; Barbari, M.
Buffalo breeding is widely spread in rural areas of southern Iraq, especially in marshlands. In the Provinces of Basr ah, Dhi Qar and Maysan the buffalo represents the main source for survival of local people in marshlands. The paper shows the situation in these areas, remarking the main critical points for buffalo breeding development. A survey in 24 buffalo farms was ca rried out by the Department of University of Firenze to verify the situation of buffalo farming in southern Iraq (years 2014 – 2016). In particular the study shows problems related to the shortage of food for animals, to the lack of suitable structures and infrastructures, to the poor herd management by farmers. In the paper the main critical points, which compromise the success of the breeding, are pointed out, with particular reference to animal welfare, animal health and labour (care of animals and risks for workers). Solutions to mitigate the scarce results are indicated. In particular some practical interventions carried out during a project funded by Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development are presented and discussed. Such interventions refer mai nly to the application of feeding racks, systems for a safe capture of the animals, plants and equipment for heat protection. As conclusion, also in difficult and poor areas like Iraqi marshes, a correct design and a right application of simple constructiv e and plant solutions, with little employment of technological resources, coupled with a good training of farmers, can give a contribution to solve problems in buffalo breeding.
Influence of coconut fiber incorporation on the mechanical behavior of adobe blocks
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) da Silva, N.A.; Cecchin, D.; Rocha, C.A.A.; Toledo Filho, R.D.; Pessin, J.; Rossi, G.; Bambi, G.; Conti, L.; Ferraz, P.F.P.
Adobe is an ancient construction technique, simple and low cost, still used in some parts of the world, mainly in rural areas. Normally, in these regions, a considerable amount of agricultural waste is generated that can be used for different purposes. An agricultural waste that has been increasingly studied in the construction sector is natural fibers. The addition of natural fibers in the soil matrix has been gaining prominence as it is a natural and easily accessible stabilizer. This work aimed to analyze and characterize adobe blocks reinforced with coconut fibers, with the addition of 1% and 2% compared to the reference block (without the addition of coconut fiber) through capillary absorption, fiber-soil adhesion, durability in the presence of water and mechanical, properties through of compression bending tests. The adobe blocks with the addition of fibers showed mechanical results above those required by the standard NBR 16814. The addition of fibers promoted higher capillary absorption results than the samples consisting only of soil and when exposed to drip erosion, no significant damage was observed in the adobe structure.
Influence of different methods of treating natural açai fibre for mortar in rural construction
(2021) Rocha, D.L.; Azevedo, A.R.G.; Marvila, M.T.; Cecchin, D.; Alexandre, J.; Carmo, D.F.; Ferraz, P.F.P.; Conti, L.; Rossi, G.
Açai is a typical Amazonian fruit that has enormous potential for use in medicines and foods, whose consumption has been growing year after year. One of the major environmental impacts related to Açai is the generation of agro-industrial wastes, which are disposed of in landfills. One of the major problems related to the reuse of natural fibres in cementitious materials is related to their durability due to the alkalinity of the matrix. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate three different methodologies for surface treatment of Açai fibre, by immersion in NaOH, KOH and Ca(OH)2 solution to mortar application in rural construction. After the treatments, the fibres were added in a proportion of 2.5 and 5.0% in relation to the cement mass, in addition to the reference mortar (without fibre) in the making of the prismatic specimens (40×40×160 mm) and cured for 28 days in room temperature. Right after the curing period, the specimens were evaluated according to the mechanical strength of flexion and compression, workability, water absorption by capillarity and mass density in the hardened state of each methodology. The results showed that the best treatment methodology is with NaOH solution, with the addition of 5% Açai fibre in relation to the cement mass, producing a suitable mortar for use in rural buildings.
Lighting and noise levels in compost dairy barns with natural and forced ventilation
(2020) Andrade, R.R.; Tinôco, I.F.F.; Damasceno, F.A.; Barbari, M.; Valente, D.A.; Vilela, M.O.; Souza, C.F.; Conti, L.; Rossi, G.
The housing system, called compost barn, is attracting the interest of several farmers. It allows dairy cows to remain in free movement inside a shed without any containment partitions like those used in freestall barns. In Brazil the compost barns with open sides are very common, but recently some closed barns with climatic control systems have been implemented. The objective of this work was to evaluate and compare lighting and noise levels in an open compost barn with natural ventilation and in a closed compost barn with a climate control system. The latter one is based on tunnel ventilation: inlet of air trough evaporative cellulose panels and exit through fans placed on the opposite wall. Through analysis of the collected data it was observed that the sound pressure recorded inside both analysed buildings did not exceed the ranges of noise discomfort recommended for the rearing of animals. However, the sound pressure amplitude inside the barn with climate control system was greater than in the open barn. The light intensity was significantly lower in the closed barn when compared to the open barn (84.96 and 1,413.58 lx, respectively). The artificial lighting system distributed throughout the closed barn was not sufficient to maintain brightness within the recommended range for lactating cows. In addition, it was found that in the closed building with forced ventilation, the highest brightness values are located near the exhaust fans.
Poultry farming solutions for a sustainable development of marshlands areas of South Iraq
(2018) Rossi, G.; Conti, L.; Bambi, G.; Monti, M.; Barbari, M.
The Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Systems of University of Florence carried out cooperation projects in the South Iraq, funded by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Coop eration, focused on the development of rural areas. All the proposed interventions were designed taking into account some key points, such as the development of sustainable farming systems, the protection of the environment, the empowerment of women role. Among the main activities, a particular importance is given to the simple solutions for poultry breeding that represents an important economic resource for many farmers and a source of food for a large segment of the population. Therefore the main aim of t he project was to define new building solutions to apply in the area of marshlands. A mobile poultry shelter was designed and built to meet the demand for meat and eggs from a typical rural family. This shelter was designed to be used for extensive breedin g, with animals free to graze outside during the day. A suitable self - building methodology was applied to obtain results from farmers without specific skills for wood construction thanks to which they learn the appropriate way to build poultry shelters. As conclusion, poultry breeding can be spread in the area of marshlands using the simple self - building structures presented in the study.
Productive performance of broilers at the final stage of breeding submitted to different levels of metabolizable energy in different thermal environments
(2018) Oliveira, K.P.; Ferreira, C.F.S.; Tinoco, I.F.F.; Andrade, R.R.; Barbari, M.; Cruz, V.M.F.; Baptista, F.J.F.; Vieira, M.F.A.; Conti, L.; Rossi, G.
The Brazilian poultry industry is an activity in constant development due to the high indices of productive efficiency. The accelerated evolution of poultry production has allowed to obtain early and very efficient broilers able to convert different foods into animal protein. However, due to this intensive breeding system, a series of metabolic and management problems appeared, with emphasis on thermal stress. The objective of this work was to evaluate the physiological responses of broiler chickens in the final stage of breeding (21 to 42 days of life), submitted to two thermal conditions, one representative of the thermoneutrality situation (T1) and one giving a situation of cyclic stress by heat (T2). For each experimental thermal condition, the birds were submitted to different levels of metabolizable energy of 3,050, 3,125, 3,200, 3,275 kcal kg - 1 . At 28, 35 and 42 days, the birds and the feed leftovers were weighed to measure the performance variables: CR (feed intake), GP (weight gain) and CA (feed conversion), viability of the rearing (Vb), productive efficiency index (PEI). As conclusions, the GP was 13.6% higher for the birds maintained at the thermoneutrality situation T1. Th e PEI was 32.5% higher for the birds maintained in T1 condition, when compared to those kept in T2. However, both in thermoneutral and in heat stress conditions, the increase in the level of metabolizable energy in the diet did not influence the performanc e and the productive efficiency index of broiler chickens aged between 21 and 42 days of age.
Remotely piloted aircraft for monitoring greenhouse gases in dairy production systems
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Aguiar, J.V.; Ferraz, P.F.P.; Ferraz, G.A.S.; Ferreira, J.C.; Cecchin, D.; Mattia, A.; Conti, L.; Rossi, G.
The monitoring of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in dairy cattle facilities is essential for understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of livestock farming. Among the main gases emitted in dairy production systems, methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) play significant roles in global warming. The objective of this research was to evaluate the spatial variability of CH4 (ppm) and CO2 (ppm) concentrations, as well as environmental variables (dry bulb temperature, tdb, °C, and relative humidity, RH, %), in a compost barn dairy production system. For gas concentration monitoring, an electrochemical sensor was used for CH4 and a non–dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor for CO2. For the environmental variables, a Hobo® MX2301A datalogger was used, and both pieces of equipment were attached to a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), the DJI Matrice 350. Measurements were carried out over three days, with flights conducted over the facility's roof. The data obtained were analysed using geostatistics to characterise spatial variability of the GHG. A strong spatial dependence was observed in gas concentrations and environmental variables. The highest concentrations of CH4 (129–134.4 ppm) and CO2 (434–479 ppm) were recorded on the first day. Tdb ranged between 24.2 °C and 32 °C, while RH fluctuated between 38.8% and 68%. The use of RPA proved to be an efficient tool for GHG monitoring, allowing the identification of spatial distribution patterns. This technology provides a novel approach to measuring GHG emissions, addressing the environmental challenges of the agricultural sector.
A software to estimate heat stress impact on dairy cattle productive performance
(2019) Teles Junior, C.G.S.; Gates, R.S.; Barbari, M.; Conti, L.; Rossi, G.; Vilela, M.O.; Souza, C.F.F.; Tinôco, I.F.F.
The aim of this study is to develop a computational tool, based on the Temperature and Humidity Index value, to characterize the thermal environment in dairy cattle barns and to evaluate the impact of thermal stress on productive performance. The software for the thermal environment prediction, and determination of the influence of heat stress on dairy cow productivity (Ambi + Leite) was developed using the C# programming language in the Microsoft Visual C# 2010 Express Integrated Development Environment. The following scenario was considered for the program test: air temperature 32°C, relative air humidity 70% and milk production potential in thermoneutrality condition 20 kg cow-1 day-1 . The prediction of the thermal environment based on the simulated situations indicates that the animals are submitted to a moderate heat stress condition with THI equal to 82.81. In this condition a decrease of approximately 26% in milk production and a reduction of 4 kg cow-1 day-1 in food intake was calculated. In conclusion, the developed software can be a practical tool to assist the producer in making-decision processes.

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