Conductive Cooling System for Dairy Cows

Conduct field evaluation of the performance of a novel approach to cooling dairy cows by installing hydronic heat exchanger panels beneath the manure free stall beds. The project will measure energy consumption of the new system relative to the baseline high-speed low-volume fans and feed lane soaker system. Various health metrics will be monitored by a Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center at a local university. Proof of concept so not intended to result in immediate program offering at conclusion.

This project evaluates the effectiveness of conductive cooling technology to reduce energy consumption while alleviating heat stress in lactating dairy cows. The evaluation takes place on a dairy farm located in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Heat stress and increased heat load experienced by lactating dairy cattle during the summer months causes decreased milk production, loss of reproductive efficiency, and other physiological and behavioral changes. Current heat abatement methods commonly used on dairy farms in this region include shade structures, water soaker systems, and fans. This study evaluates a novel approach using conductive cooling technology. The conductive cooling system (CCS) uses cool water circulating through heat exchanger mats installed below the surface of freestall beds and has the potential to cool cows while reducing energy and water usage compared to conventional cooling systems. Conductive cooling occurs by heat transfer from a cow’s body while lying on the cooled bedding that is facilitated by the heat exchanger system. The CCS was installed on one pen in a two-pen freestall barn. The other pen was used to monitor the baseline system’s performance side-by-side. Each pen was occupied by an average daily count of 210 dairy cows. A chiller was installed as an additional component to the CCS to mimic well water temperatures between 60°F and 65°F. The well water temperature at the test barn was between 5°F and 10°F warmer than typical well water. This was believed to be caused by the distance of the barn to the well and the depth of the well.