Monitoring and Characterization of the Thermal Environment of Special-Use Buildings

Abstract

One branch of civil engineering is construction engineering, geared primarily towards humans. However, this branch also includes buildings designed for animals called animal housing (dwellings or shelters or corrals). Like physical spaces for humans, animal housing requires sufficient conditions for an occupation that guarantees the performance of indoor activities pleasantly and comfortably. One of the parameters for characterizing and classifying the penned livestock farm environment is the thermal comfort range that reflects the indoor temperature behavior for animal welfare, together with other climatic elements such as relative humidity. This research carried out fieldwork to evaluate the thermal environment of pigpens located in Palmira, Colombia, in the time range between 07:00 and 21:00 hours. Using thermometers and hygrometers, we recorded and analyzed the indoor temperature behavior within the thermal comfort range associated with relative humidity for the well-being of pigs. The records made it possible to calculate humidity and temperature index and humidity and black globe temperature index. According to the results, the pig rearing environment was classified as critical for breeding pigs and newborn piglets, suggesting the use of controlled environment systems in pig facilities. In conclusion, monitoring the climatic environment by criteria that combine air temperature and relative humidity is a useful tool for planning pig facilities.