Climatic Conditions and Their Relation to Housing Factors in Norwegian Dairy Barns with Special Reference to Young Stock

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Abstract
Climatic data from 251 Norwegian dairy barns with special reference to young stock are presented. Instant recordings were undertaken in the period Oct.-Jan., once in each herd. Around the suckling calves, weaned calves and young cattle, average temperature 120 cm above the floor was 13.3, 13.3 and 13.0.degree. C, respectively, whereas corresponding values at 10 cm above floor were 12.2, 11.9 and 11.5.degree. C. Around the cows, average temperature at 120 cm above the floor (center) was 13.7.degree. C and at 10 cm above (cow stall) 12.1.degree. C. Average concentration of NH3, 10 cm above the floor was 13.0 ppm around the suckling calves, 16.0 ppm around the weaned calves and 15.3 ppm around the young cattle, whereas it was 13.0 ppm in the cow stall and 8.2 ppm in the center. Wide variations were seen in NH3 levels. Average relative humidity, 120 cm above the floor was slightly above 80% for all the groups mentioned. The most favorable temperature conditions around suckling and weaned calves were found when they were located among the cows. Confinement of calves away from the cows, either in a separate area within the barn or in an annex resulted in lower temperatures as compared to location among the cows. The lowest temperature and the highest humidity were seen when the young stock was located in a separate room. Confinement on slatted floor resulted in lower temperatures and higher concentrations of NH3 as compared to other types of floor. Type of confinement had no effect on the climatic factors recorded. Most of the temperatures recorded among the young stock were within the range where they are considered to have negligible effects on growth and food conversion. Draughts caused by unfavorable locations could influence the thermal environment in such a way that it had negative effects on the well-being of the calves.