Assessment of the Impact of Moderate Heat Stress Conditions on Udder and Thigh Surface Temperature in Dairy Cows Using Infrared Thermography

The aim of this study was to evaluate how moderate heat stress conditions affect udder and thigh surface temperature in dairy cows. To determine the level of heat stress, the temperature-humidity index (THI) was measured. Temperatures in the areas of interest were measured using infrared thermography. The correlation coefficient between udder surface temperature and THI is 0,66. The correlation coefficient between THI and surface temperatures in the thigh area ranged from 0,85 to 0,93. The rate of increase in udder surface temperature as a function of increasing THI values is 0.28. The rates of increase in thigh surface temperatures as a function of increasing THI values range from 0.25 to 0.33. The results show that under moderate heat stress, the surface temperature of the udder is less affected by the increase in THI compared to the thigh area. The results can be a good basis for creating models and automated systems for heat stress prevention.