THI Management in UAE Dairy Farms: Designing Cooling-Driven, High-Performance Systems

Dairy farming in the United Arab Emirates operates under some of the world’s harshest climatic conditions. With summer temperatures reaching 50°C and high coastal humidity, heat stress is the single largest biological risk to dairy productivity in the UAE.

A productive dairy farm depends on the health and comfort of its animals. Automatic fans, ventilation, and sprinkler systems help maintain optimal barn conditions by adjusting to temperature and humidity levels, ensuring consistent cooling and better cow comfort.

In this environment, the Temperature–Humidity Index (THI) is not just a monitoring metric—it is a core dairy design and investment parameter.

Why THI Is Mission-Critical for UAE Dairy Farms

Unlike temperate dairy regions, UAE dairy operations face a continuous and cumulative heat load.

UAE dairy cows typically:

  • Experience prolonged heat seasons (April–October)
  • Have minimal night-time temperature recovery
  • Depend entirely on mechanical cooling systems

Once THI exceeds 72, milk yield, fertility, and feed efficiency begin to decline. During UAE summers, THI frequently remains above 80 for weeks, creating chronic stress conditions.

To promote animal health further and comfort, Delmer’s Cow Comfort Brush offers gentle massaging action, improves blood circulation, and reduces stress — resulting in happier, healthier, and more productive cows.

Key takeaway: In the UAE, unmanaged THI leads to predictable and severe production losses.

UAE Climate Profile and THI Risk Assessment

Summer Climate Conditions

  • Temperature: 40–50°C
  • Humidity: 60–90% (especially in coastal zones)
  • Night temperatures: Persistently high
  • Heat load: Continuous accumulation with no recovery window

Critical Insight for UAE Dairies

Cows in the UAE do not recover overnight. Therefore, cooling systems must operate 24/7 during peak summer months, not intermittently.

THI Thresholds for High-Yield Dairy Herds in the UAE

THI Level Stress Classification Operational Impact
< 68 Comfortable (rare) Optimal output
68–72 Mild stress Early intake drop
72–78 Moderate stress Clear milk loss
78–88 Severe stress Major yield loss
> 88 Emergency zone Health & mortality risk

Most UAE dairies naturally operate in the moderate-to-severe THI range without active cooling.

Cooling-Driven Dairy Farm Design in the UAE

1. Barn Infrastructure (Foundation of THI Control) 

  • Fully or semi-closed dairy barns
  • Insulated and reflective roofing materials
  • Tunnel or cross-ventilation systems
  • Controlled airspeed of 2.5–3.5 m/s at cow level

Barn design in the UAE must be engineered around airflow, not just shelter.

Delmer offers modern milking parlours designed for smooth operations, excellent hygiene, higher milk yield, and unmatched animal comfort — helping dairy farms run efficiently and profitably. 2. Cooling Technologies for UAE Dairy Farms

Cooling Solution Role in UAE Climate
High-capacity circulation Core airflow management
Low-pressure sprinklers Direct body cooling
Evaporative cooling pads Effective when humidity is managed
Zoned cooling Parlors, holding pens, feed alleys

 

Global best practice: 

Sprinklers + high-speed fans deliver the highest cooling efficiency in hot climates.

Feeding a Total Mixed Ration is a modern, proven way to support the health, milk production, and efficiency of your dairy operation. While the system requires planning, investment, and management, the long-term gains in productivity and cow health can be significant.

3. Automation, Sensors, and Smart THI Control

Modern UAE dairy farms rely on:

  • Continuous temperature and humidity sensors
  • Automated THI calculation systems
  • PLC-controlled fans and sprinkler cycles
  • Data-driven cooling schedules

Cooling decisions are algorithm-driven, not manual, ensuring consistent cow comfort.

A manure scraper efficiently collects and removes manure from dairy farm alleyways, keeping cow housing clean and reducing ammonia emissions.

Economic Justification of THI Management in the UAE

Example Scenario

  • Herd size: 200 cows
  • Milk loss: 3 kg per cow per day
  • Milk price: AED 2 per litre

Estimated losses:

  • Daily: AED 1,200+
  • Seasonal (120 days): AED 150,000+

While cooling systems are capital-intensive, they are unavoidable in the UAE.

ROI Comes From:

  • Stabilized milk yield
  • Improved reproductive performance
  • Reduced mortality and involuntary culling
  • Protection of high-value genetic stock

Considering a new barn or facility upgrade? Explore complete design and implementation solutions with Turnkey Dairy Projects.

Conclusion: THI-Based Cooling Is Non-Negotiable in the UAE

In the UAE, dairy success depends on engineering resilience against heat stress.

THI-driven cooling systems:

  • Preserve high genetic potential
  • Protect capital-intensive dairy investments
  • Ensure consistent milk supply
  • Define long-term operational sustainability

In the UAE, cooling is not an expense—it is insurance.

for more information visit delmergroup.com

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