Analysis of the effects of THI based on apparent temperature for Hanwoo heat stress management

This study compared the traditional Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) calculated from dry-bulb temperature with the THI calculated from apparent temperature for Hanwoo heat stress assessment. Using meteorological observation data, the analysis showed that applying apparent temperature had the effect of making the THI more sensitive to danger levels, as it increased the number of 'Danger' and 'Extreme Danger' days. Additionally, internal barn data from ICT sensors confirmed that the barn environment is hotter and more humid than the outside. This resulted in higher THI categories, suggesting that reliance on external data may underestimate the actual heat stress on Hanwoo. Therefore, incorporating apparent temperature and internal barn data is important for effective heat stress management.