Özet:

This study was carried out to determine the suitability of the temperature-humidity index (THI) values of the provinces of KOP region in terms of dairy cattle. In this direction, monthly averages of temperature and humidity values of Yozgat, Kırıkkale, Kırşehir, Niğde, Aksaray, Karaman, Konya, and Nevşehir provinces in KOP region between the 2000-2021 years were used. THI values were calculated from the average temperature and humidity data of the provinces in the KOP region. In the study, the equation “(0.8 × T) + [(RH/100) × (T-14.4)] + 46.4” was used to calculate the THI. The critical THI level is based on 72. In the study, the interaction effect with province, month, and year on THI, temperature, and humidity values was found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). The average THI values for the provinces in the KOP Region were determined between 50.88-55.25, temperature values 9.96-13.18oC, and humidity values between 54.03-64.78%. Average THI was calculated as the highest in Aksaray (55.25) and Kırıkkale (55.13) provinces and lowest in Yozgat (50.88). It has been determined that the average THI values obtained do not pose a danger to dairy cattle, including for July and August, which are close to critical values. However, in these months when THI values are high, it will be beneficial for dairy cattle to pay attention to many herd management practices such as adequate ventilation, fans, fogging and shades, meeting water needs, care, feeding, and sheltering in order to avoid problems related to milk yield and quality, disease, and reproduction.

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