Bioclimatic zoning for dairy cows in Brazil by statistical modeling

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Climate conditions affect animal welfare directly, influencing milk production. The Midwest region is the largest cattle-producing region in Brazil. The objective of this study was to elaborate on bioclimatic zoning for dairy cattle in the Midwest region of Brazil. Air temperature (Ta, °C) and relative humidity (%, RH) data from a 30-year historical series collected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (NASA/POWER) platform were used. The Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) was determined for the hottest and coldest months. Milk production losses due to climate factors in the Midwest of Brazil for two daily production levels, 10 kg Milk (PL10) and 25 kg Milk (PL25), were estimated. RESULTS: The Midwest presented three THI classifications throughout the year: 'normal', 'alert', and 'critical alert'. The entire Midwest region was classified as 'normal' (THI < 70) between autumn and winter. The decrease in milk production (DMP) during the autumn and winter presented no loss for both production levels (PL10 and PL25).CONCLUSION: On the other hand, a 1 to 2 kg reduction in milk production was observed for cows with a PL25 production level between spring and summer in the southern Midwest region, while cows with a PL10 production level showed no reduction in milk production. Only the cities of Sinop and Cuiabá did not present a 'critical alert' during spring/summer for the risk of heat stress.

Bioclimatic Zoning for Sheep Farming through Geostatistical Modeling in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil

“…Geostatistics, through kriging maps of meteorological variables or indexes, is often used to perform precise zoning for animals and crops, also allowing the prediction of areas with a high probability of heat stress occurrence [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ], which can be measured through a series of physiological and behavioral variables. Mendes et al [ 21 ] used geostatistics to perform a bioclimatic zoning for the Dorper breed in Pernambuco state.…”

Neural Networks in Simulating Potential Climatic Conditions for Bamboo Cultivation in Brazil

“…In this context, tools like the Agricultural Zoning for Climate Risk (ZARC) become indispensable (JUNIOR; PINTO; ASSAD, 2006). ZARC is not just a passive tool for understanding climate risks; it is an active instrument that aids in strategic decision-making for farmers and agricultural planners (APARECIDO et al, 2023). By analyzing historical weather data and predicting future climatic patterns, ZARC offers guidance on the most favorable planting and harvesting periods for specific crops (GELCER et al, 2018).…”