Effect of the Spatial Distribution of the Temperature and Humidity Index in a New Zealand White Rabbit House on Respiratory Frequency and Ear Surface Temperature

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize and evaluate the temperature and humidity index (THI) of New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits kept in a rabbit house using geostatistical techniques. Furthermore, we sought to evaluate its relationship with respiratory frequency (RF) and ear surface temperature (EST). The experiment was conducted at the Federal University of Lavras, Brazil. A total of 52 NZW rabbits were used. For the characterization of the thermal environment, the dry bulb temperature (tdb, °C), relative humidity (RH, %), and dew point temperature (tdp, °C) were collected at 48 points in the rabbit house at 6:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. for seven days. The RF and EST of the animals was monitored. Subsequently, the THI was calculated and the data were analyzed using geostatistical tools and kriging interpolation. In addition, the RF and EST data were superimposed on the rabbit house’s THI data maps. The magnitude of the variability and structure of the THI inside the rabbit house were characterized and the heterogeneity was visualized. Critical THI points inside the rabbit house and in locations where animals with high RF and ESTs were housed were identified, thus providing information about improving the production environment.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal method for describing growth curve of rabbits

“…In rabbit farming, from the rearing of cubs, producers can increase profit margin according to the purpose and destination of production to be marketed. But, for this to occur adequately and for maximum return to be achieved, correct management of animals is required (Silva et al, 2021a).…”

The Effects of Temperature and Humidity Index on Growth Performance, Colon Microbiota, and Serum Metabolome of Ira Rabbits

“…In addition, the artificial simulation environment of an environmental control house cannot accurately reflect the actual environmental conditions in a closed livestock house [ 8 ]. The distribution of THI values in the real environment is not uniform [ 9 ]. Therefore, the impact of the actual production environment on the health of animals is also worthy of attention.…”