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A QUASI-ISOMORPHIC MODEL OF THE THERMAL DYNAMICS OF A DAIRY COW
Abstract
The objectives of this study were: (1) review the literature pertinent to the development of biological modeling and the exchange of thermal energy between a dairy cow and its environment, (2) develop a standard symbol set to be used in physiological modeling, (3) describe the large number of experiments performed on dairy cows at the Missouri Climatic Laboratory and pull together the data from these experiments, (4) develop the concepts of quasi-isomorphic modeling, and (5) use the preceding to develop a quasi-isomorphic model of the thermal dynamics of the dairy cow. The review of literature went beyond the scope of the model presented. It included a large volume of the concepts required to extend the development of the model to a true isomorphic model. The rules for the standard symbol set were developed and the set was used in the model. The description of the experiments performed at the Missouri Climatic Laboratory and the extensive data from these experiments have been consolidated and are presented. The basic concepts of quasi-isomorphic modeling are presented and used to develop a model of the thermal dynamics of a dairy cow. The findings from this study indicate that theoretical heat transfer equations can be used to provide an adequate prediction of the thermal exchanges between a dairy cow and her surroundings. The results also indicate the concept of quasi-isomorphic modeling can be used successfully in modeling biological systems. The development of the model has pointed to areas of research that need to be performed in order to better describe the effects of the environment on the thermal dynamics of a bovine, and have indicated how the model can be improved. The research needs are; a description of the thermal anatomy of the bovine, describing the blood flows to the individual components of the bovine, a description of the blood, temperature and metabolite content, as it enters and leaves the components, and a description of the temperature profiles within the bovine. The improvements that need to be made to the model itself are; to provide active controllers, to model the temperature profile within the subcomponents, to provide a more detailed description of the internal organs, and to include a better description of the effect of wind, humidity, rain, and solar radiation on the bovine.
Subject Area
Agricultural engineering
Recommended Citation
STEVENS, DONALD GLEN, "A QUASI-ISOMORPHIC MODEL OF THE THERMAL DYNAMICS OF A DAIRY COW" (1981). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI8208387.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI8208387