The distribution of deep-litter temperature in a dairy barn

The paper presents results of studies of some indoor microclimate parameters and temperature of litter bedding in a freestall barn used to house dairy cattle in a deep-litter bedding system. The studies were conducted in the period from 22 March 2014 to 22 March 2015. The analysis of distribution of litter surface temperature showed its strong relationship with indoor air temperature. In summer, temporary exceedances of the allowable indoor air temperature by even 12 °C were noted. The studies showed a significant effect of the number of animals in the barn on litter surface temperature. In the periods when cows stayed in the barn, two zones could be distinguished: the sidewall zone 1.5 m wide at the western outside wall of the building and the inner zone encompassing the remaining part of the barn. Differences in litter temperature between these zones, when cows stayed in the barn, reached 10°C. When the building was empty and animals were on pasture, the differences between litter surface temperatures were much smaller and did not exceed 3°C.