Thermal Comfort in Dairy Cattle under Tropical Conditions: Insights from Tupã-SP (2020–2025)

Resumo

Dairy cattle farming is very important for Brazilian agribusiness, being responsible for generating income, jobs, and food production. However, weather conditions can directly affect the productivity and well-being of the animals, especially in regions with a tropical climate. In this context, the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) is widely used to assess the thermal comfort of dairy cows and identify situations of heat stress. This study aimed to evaluate the thermal comfort conditions of dairy cows in the Tupã-SP region from 2020 to 2025 by analyzing meteorological data on temperature and relative humidity. The data were obtained from the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) and used to calculate the THI, allowing the classification of environmental conditions into thermal comfort, alert, danger, and emergency. The results showed that there were climatic variations over the years analyzed; 2022 showed the most favorable conditions for thermal comfort, while the other years remained mostly in the alert range, with periods of moderate and severe stress. Times of day and seasons with a higher frequency of thermal discomfort were also identified, especially during summer, autumn, and spring. It is concluded that continuous monitoring of weather conditions is essential for adopting management strategies that minimize the effects of thermal stress, promoting animal well-being, productivity, and the sustainability of dairy farming.