Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Statistical Considerations When Using Hysteresis To Estimate Internal Heat Load In Dairy Cows, S. Maynes, A. M. Parkhurst

Conference on Applied Statistics in Agriculture

Water is often used to manage heat stress in dairy cattle. Sprinklers are often placed over the feed bunk or used while cattle are waiting to be milked, however in this experiment cattle were given control over water with a cow-activated shower. Previous studies have focused on how wetting can lower body emperature or reduce respiration rates. An alternative way to investigate this management practice is to examine internal heat loads. Internal heat load can be quantified by fitting a hysteresis loop to daily field data. The hysteresis loop is formed by a phase diagram of body temperature versus an …