Diagnóstico bioclimático para criação de ovinos no município de Amarante do Maranhão-MA

Abstract

Sheep farming in the Brazilian Northeast, especially with adapted breeds such as the Morada Nova, is of great socioeconomic relevance; however, it faces limitations related to the hot and humid climate characteristic of the region. This study aimed to create a bioclimatic diagnosis of the municipality of Amarante do Maranhão (MA) for raising Morada Nova sheep by analyzing annual meteorological data, including air temperature (TA), relative humidity (RH), and thermal comfort indices such as the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) and the Black Globe Humidity Index (BGHI) to identify periods of thermal comfort and discomfort for the animals. The results demonstrated that the first half of the year presents lower average TA and high RH, while the second half concentrates the most critical conditions. This period shows a gradual increase in TA, a sharp drop in RH, and a higher radiation load, especially between September and November, when the THI and BGHI exceed comfort limits, indicating a significant risk of thermal stress. These conditions directly affect feed intake, respiratory rate, weight gain, reproductive efficiency, and animal welfare. It is concluded that the climate of Amarante do Maranhão imposes relevant challenges on the production of Morada Nova sheep, reinforcing the need for thermal management strategies, such as natural or artificial shading, continuous water availability, adjustments to grazing schedules, and interventions that promote a microclimate more suitable for the performance and sustainability of the activity