Diagnóstico bioclimático para criação de caprinos no município de Bareirinhas- MA

Abstract

The objective was to conduct a bioclimatic diagnosis of goat farming in the municipality of Barreirinhas–MA based on the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), evaluating the influence of air temperature and humidity on the thermal comfort of the animals. The research used climatological data from the period 1991 to 2021, obtained from the Climate Data platform, considering the variables average, minimum, maximum temperature and relative air humidity. From these data, the Temperature-Humidity Index was calculated, an indicator of the level of thermal stress in goats. The results showed that the average annual temperatures 26–28 °C remain within the thermal comfort range 20–30 °C for adult goats, providing specific conditions for the physiological balance of the species; however, maximum temperatures of 32 °C, combined with high relative air humidity 67–83%, characterize critical periods of thermal discomfort, especially between August and November, when the THI reaches values above 82, posing a risk of moderate to intense stress. In this context, it is concluded that, although the climate of Barreirinhas provides comfortable nighttime conditions, daytime temperature peaks occur that disable management strategies aimed at preventing production losses. Therefore, among the recommended measures are: natural or artificial shading, efficient ventilation in shelters, a constant supply of fresh water, nutritional adjustments during critical periods, and the use of breeds adapted to the humid tropical climate.