Computational model of heat exchange between dairy cow and bedding

• Clear physical model for calculation of bedding thermal performance proposed.
• Thermal conditions in bedding area can be theoretically estimated.
• Heat exchange between cattle body and bedding can be quantitatively obtained.

The article presents computational model for transient heat exchange between the body of a dairy cow and bedding thermally coupled with floor and the ground beneath. The finite volume technique is used to determine heat exchange and solve for 3-dimensional, transient heat flow and temperature pattern in bedding, floor and ground. A comparative analysis of calculation results has revealed good agreement with own temperature measurements (correlation factor above 0.8) and observations of thermal performance of bedding.The proposed mathematical model has been applied exemplary to calculate the role of bedding in heat exchange between a lying cow and two alternative bedding throughout the year and to evaluate thermal comfort of the lying area.The model can be used to analyze the development of thermal conditions in lying areas, which is regarded by many researchers as one of the core factors influencing lying behavior and welfare of cattle.