Understanding THI in Indian Dairy Farms: Managing Heat Stress for Sustainable Milk Production

India’s dairy sector operates under one of the world’s most challenging climatic environments. Rising summer temperatures, prolonged monsoon humidity, and traditional shed designs make heat stress a persistent productivity risk.

Fans, ventilation, and sprinkler systems with automatic controls help regulate barn temperature by activating based on heat or humidity levels, ensuring consistent cooling and better cow comfort.

At the center of heat stress management lies a single metric: Temperature–Humidity Index (THI).

This article explains how THI affects Indian dairy farms and how practical, cost-effective interventions can protect milk yield and herd health.

What is THI and Why It Matters in India

THI combines ambient temperature and relative humidity to estimate the thermal load experienced by dairy cattle. Unlike temperature alone, THI reflects India’s biggest challenge: humidity.

The Smart Cooling System uses data and automation to detect, monitor, and reduce heat stress efficiently. Unlike traditional cooling, it works in real-time and adjusts automatically based on each animal’s condition and environmental factors.

Even moderate heat becomes dangerous when humidity rises—especially during monsoon months.

Why THI is Critical for Indian Farms

When THI crosses comfort limits:

• Feed intake declines
• Milk yield drops
• Fertility performance weakens
• Mastitis risk increases
• Indigenous resilience is overwhelmed in crossbred cows

High-yielding crossbred cows often experience heat stress at THI levels as low as 68–70.

Advanced heat and health management solutions designed to enhance animal comfort, improve productivity, and ensure overall farm efficiency.

Typical THI Risk Periods in India

Summer (April–June)

• Temperatures: 35–48°C
• Humidity: Moderate
• THI often exceeds 75–85

Monsoon (July–September)

• Temperature slightly lower
• Humidity: 70–95%
• THI remains dangerously high due to moisture load

South & Coastal India

• Long humid seasons
• Chronic THI stress even without extreme temperatures

Key Indian Reality:

A temperature of 34°C with 75% humidity can be more stressful than 40°C in dry air.

State-of-the-art milking parlours designed for seamless operation, superior hygiene, enhanced milk yield, and unmatched animal comfort — delivering efficiency and reliability for modern dairy farms.

THI Thresholds for Dairy Cattle (India Focus)

Practical THI Mitigation for Indian Dairy Farms

1. Shed & Barn Design 

• East–West orientation (critical)
• Roof ridge height: 14–16 feet
• Open sidewalls for natural airflow
• Ridge ventilation openings
• Shade nets over loafing areas

2. Cooling Systems (Cost-Effective)

• High-volume ceiling or wall fans
• Low-pressure sprinklers + fans (best ROI)
• Avoid foggers in high humidity zones
• Focus cooling near feed bunks and holding areas

3. Management Adjustments

• Feeding during early morning and late evening
• Increased water points
• Heat-tolerant ration formulation
• THI-based fan/sprinkler activation (manual or automated)

For dairy farmers, monitoring THI is one of the simplest ways to evaluate animal comfort management.

Economic Impact of Heat Stress in India

Example:

• 200 cows
• Milk loss: 3 kg/cow/day
• Milk price: ₹35/litre
• Daily loss: ₹21,000
• Seasonal loss (120 days): ₹25+ lakh

Most cooling upgrades recover costs within 1–2 summers.

The massaging action of automatic cow brushes stimulates blood flow in muscles and skin.

Conclusion – India

For Indian dairy farms, THI management is no longer optional.

Improved shed design, targeted cooling, and basic THI monitoring can:

• Stabilize milk yield
• Improve fertility
• Protect animal welfare
• Significantly improve farm profitability

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