[Topics] Associate Professor Yasuhiro Morita and his research group are conducting an on-site experiment on a novel air-conditioning system for dairy barns that is designed to be both climate-resilient and environmentally friendly.

Toward the implementation of radiant air-conditioning systems in livestock facilities for energy efficiency and effective cooling

Associate Professor Yasuhiro Morita of the Division of Bioresource Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, and his research group, in collaboration with Ace Water Co., Ltd., have installed a wall-mounted radiant heating and cooling system, "Radi-Ace," in the dairy barn at the University Farm (on-campus experimental dairy farm). This project aims to improve barn environment and monitor physiological changes in dairy cows in order to enhance their comfort and productivity under stressed climate, particularly heat-stressed condition. Radi-Ace is an energy-efficient heating and cooling system with low environmental impact, capable of efficiently conditioning large spaces such as gymnasiums. Through this research, the team aims to address global challenges of improving dairy cow welfare and enhancing productivity under heat-stressed conditions.

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Background and Rationale of the Study

　Climate change is increasing heat stress, which leads to a decline in livestock productivity. This productivity reduction due to heat stress has become a major issue in livestock industries worldwide, and how to address this problem is a significant challenge linked to global food security. It is also a serious problem in Asia, including Japan, where dairy farmers in particular suffer considerable economic losses. Therefore, it is essential to improve the comfort of dairy cattle during hot season to enhance the productivity of dairy farming.
Moreover, improving the stall environment for livestock not only increases productivity but also enhances animal welfare from an ethical perspective. Creating husbandry systems that livestock can live healthily and stress-free and maximize their productive potential is one of the major goal for the global livestock industry.

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Potential Suitability of Radiant Cooling System for Dairy Barns

Although various cooling systems have been tested in livestock barns--semi-open, large-scale environments--an optimal solution for cooling in hot and humid climates has yet to be established. In this study, the research team aims to identify an effective air-conditioning systems for dairy barns under heat stress conditions by introducing "Radi-Ace," an environmental friendly system with a proven track record in conditioning large indoor spaces.

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Researcher's Comment

In the hot and humid climates of Asia, it is challenging to improve cattle comfort and productivity using conventional cooling systems such as fans or forced-air ventilation. We expected that the energy-efficient radiant heating and cooling system examined in this study will be well-suited to the structural characteristics of dairy barns and may offer a potential solution for climate change adaptation in the future.

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Contact Information

Yasuhiro Morita, Associate Professor
Mail：morita.yasuhiro.362★m.kyushu-u.ac.jp
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