Abstract
The thermal environment is a factor thar is always present in livestock production. Environmental stressors can, to the extent they exceed the coping and compensatory capabilities of the animals, adversely affect animal performance, health and well-being. Proactive environmental management can reduce or eliminate the adverse effects through rational selection, design and operation of facilities and equipment. The focus of this report is on the development and application of objective criteria as livestock environment decision-making tools. Emphasis is on relationships between animal responses and the thermal environment, thresholds for stress, and the dynamics of how animals respond and adapt to environmental challenges. Jpn. J. Livest. Management, 30(3) : 113-127. 1995. Accepted January 9,1995.
