Skip to main content
NCBI home page
Elsevier - PMC COVID-19 Collection logoLink to Elsevier - PMC COVID-19 Collection
. 2017 Aug 12;16(8):1653–1658. doi: 10.1016/S2095-3119(16)61532-0

Effects of relative humidity on animal health and welfare

Yan XIONG 1, Qing-shi MENG 1, Jie GAO 1, Xiang-fang TANG 1,*, Hong-fu ZHANG 1,*
PMCID: PMC7128667  PMID: 32288955

Abstract

Farm animals are sources of meat, milk and eggs for the humans, and animal health ensures the quality and security of these agricultural and sideline products. The animal raising conditions in livestock stations and poultry houses play vital roles in both animal health and production. One of the major factors affecting raising conditions, relative humidity, has not received much attention even though it is important for animal husbandry. In this review, we summarize the impacts of relative humidity on animal health and welfare to draw attention for its importance in the improvement of animal raising conditions in the future.

Keywords: relative humidity, animal, health, welfare

Contributor Information

Yan XIONG, Email: xiongyan@caas.cn.

Xiang-fang TANG, Email: xiangfangtang@163.com.

Hong-fu ZHANG, Email: zhanghongfu@caas.cn.

References

  1. Adell E, Moset V, Zhao Y, Jimenez-Belenguer A, Cerisuelo A, Cambra-Lopez M. Comparative performance of three sampling techniques to detect airborne Salmonella species in poultry farms. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine: AAEM. 2014;21:15–24. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  2. Aviagen Ross broiler management manual. [2016-03-01] 2009. http://www.thepoultrysite.com/downloads/single/94/
  3. Berman A. Extending the potential of evaporative cooling for heat-stress relief. Journal of Dairy Science. 2006;89:3817–3825. doi: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(06)72423-7. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  4. Berry I, Shanklin M, Johnson H. Dairy shelter design based on milk production decline as affected by temperature and humidity. Transactions of the ASAE. 1964;7:329–331. [Google Scholar]
  5. Bruzual J J, Peak S D, Brake J, Peebles E D. Effects of relative humidity during incubation on hatchability and body weight of broiler chicks from young breeder flocks. Poultry Science. 2000;79:827–830. doi: 10.1093/ps/79.6.827. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  6. Buhr R J. Incubation relative humidity effects on allantoic fluid volume and hatchability. Poultry Science. 1995;74:874–884. doi: 10.3382/ps.0740874. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  7. Cheng Y, He K B, Du Z Y, Zheng M, Duan F K, Ma Y L. Humidity plays an important role in the PM 2.5 pollution in Beijing. Environmental Pollution. 2015;197:68–75. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.11.028. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  8. Couch R B. Viruses and indoor air pollution. Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine. 1981;57:907–921. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  9. Cox R M, Munoz-Garcia A, Jurkowitz M S, Williams J B. β-Glucocerebrosidase activity in the stratum corneum of house sparrows following acclimation to high and low humidity. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. 2008;81:97–105. doi: 10.1086/522652. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  10. Dawkins M S, Donnelly C A, Jones T A. Chicken welfare is influenced more by housing conditions than by stocking density. Nature. 2004;427:342–344. doi: 10.1038/nature02226. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  11. Fisher M C, Henk D A, Briggs C J, Brownstein J S, Madoff L C, McCraw S L, Gurr S J. Emerging fungal threats to animal, plant and ecosystem health. Nature. 2012;484:186–194. doi: 10.1038/nature10947. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  12. Gantner V, Mijić P, Kuterovac K, Solić D, Gantner R. Temperature-humidity index values and their significance on the daily production of dairy cattle. Mljekarstvo. 2011;61:56. [Google Scholar]
  13. Gao J, Sun Y, Lu Y, Li L. Impact of ambient humidity on child health: A systematic review. PLOS ONE. 2014;9:e112508. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112508. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  14. Gates R, Zhang H, Colliver D, Overhults D. Regional variation in temperature humidity index for poultry housing. Transactions of the ASAE. 1995;38:197–206. [Google Scholar]
  15. Greco M V, Franchi M L, Golba S L R, Pardo A G, Pose G N. Mycotoxins and mycotoxigenic fungi in poultry feed for food-producing animals. The Scientific World Journal. 2014;2014 doi: 10.1155/2014/968215. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  16. Hänel G. Humidity effects on gravitational settling and Brownian diffusion of atmospheric aerosol particles. Pure and Applied Geophysics. 1977;115:775–797. [Google Scholar]
  17. Hemmes J H, Winkler K C, Kool S M. Virus survival as a seasonal factor in influenza and polimyelitis. Nature. 1960;188:430–431. doi: 10.1038/188430a0. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  18. Hernandez-Jimenez C, Garcia-Torrentera R, Olmos-Zuniga J R, Jasso-Victoria R, Gaxiola-Gaxiola M O, Baltazares-Lipp M, Gutierrez-Gonzalez L H. Respiratory mechanics and plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6 are affected by gas humidification during mechanical ventilation in dogs. PLOS ONE. 2014;9:e101952. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101952. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  19. Hirai Y. Survival of bacteria under dry conditions; from a viewpoint of nosocomial infection. The Journal of Hospital Infection. 1991;19:191–200. doi: 10.1016/0195-6701(91)90223-u. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  20. Honig H, Miron J, Lehrer H, Jackoby S, Zachut M, Zinou A, Portnick Y, Moallem U. Performance and welfare of high-yielding dairy cows subjected to 5 or 8 cooling sessions daily under hot and humid climate. Journal of Dairy Science. 2012;95:3736–3742. doi: 10.3168/jds.2011-5054. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  21. Jericho K W, Magwood S E. Histological features of respiratory epithelium of calves held at differing temperature and humidity. Canadian Journal of Comparative Medicine. 1977;41:369–379. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  22. Johnson H D. Bioclimatology and the Adaptation of Livestock. Elsevier; New York: 1987. Bioclimates and livestock. [Google Scholar]
  23. Jones T A, Donnelly C A, Stamp D M. Environmental and management factors affecting the welfare of chickens on commercial farms in the United Kingdom and Denmark stocked at five densities. Poultry Science. 2005;84:1155–1165. doi: 10.1093/ps/84.8.1155. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  24. Koknaroglu H, Akunal T. Animal welfare: An animal science approach. Meat Science. 2013;95:821–827. doi: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2013.04.030. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  25. Lin H, Zhang H F, Du R, Gu X H, Zhang Z Y, Buyse J, Decuypere E. Thermoregulation responses of broiler chickens to humidity at different ambient temperatures. II. Four weeks of age. Poultry Science. 2005;84:1173–1178. doi: 10.1093/ps/84.8.1173. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  26. Line J E. Influence of relative humidity on transmission of Campylobacter jejuni in broiler chickens. Poultry Science. 2006;85:1145–1150. doi: 10.1093/ps/85.7.1145. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  27. Lowen A C, Mubareka S, Steel J, Palese P. Influenza virus transmission is dependent on relative humidity and temperature. PLoS Pathogens. 2007;3:e151. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.0030151. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  28. Mirt D. Lesions of so-called flank biting and necrotic ear syndrome in pigs. The Veterinary Record. 1999;144:92–96. doi: 10.1136/vr.144.4.92. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  29. de Moraes S, Yanagi Júnior T, de Oliveira A, Yanagi S, Café M. Proceedings of the International Conference of Agricultural Engineering, XXXVII Brazilian Congress of Agricultural Engineering, International Livestock Environment Symposium-ILES VIII. International Commission of Agricultural Engineering (CIGR), Institut fur Landtechnik; Germany: 2008. Classification of the temperature and humidity index (THI), aptitude of the region, and conditions of comfort for broilers and layer hens in Brazil. Central theme, technology for all: Sharing the knowledge for development. Iguassu Falls City, Brazil, 31st August to 4th September, 2008. [Google Scholar]
  30. Mullis L, Saif L J, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Azevedo M S. Stability of bovine coronavirus on lettuce surfaces under household refrigeration conditions. Food Microbiology. 2012;30:180–186. doi: 10.1016/j.fm.2011.12.009. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  31. Myer R, Bucklin R. Influence of hot-humid environment on growth performance and reproduction of swine. [2016-03-01] 2001. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AN107
  32. Noiva R M, Menezes A C, Peleteiro M C. Influence of temperature and humidity manipulation on chicken embryonic development. BMC Veterinary Research. 2014;10:234. doi: 10.1186/s12917-014-0234-3. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  33. Noti J D, Blachere F M, McMillen C M, Lindsley W G, Kashon M L, Slaughter D R, Beezhold D H. High humidity leads to loss of infectious influenza virus from simulated coughs. PLOS ONE. 2013;8:e57485. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057485. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  34. NRC (National Research Council) Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. 8th ed. National Academies Press; USA: 2011. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  35. OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) Terrestrial Animal Health Code. 21st ed. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE); Paris, France: 2012. Introduction to the recommendations for animal welfare. [Google Scholar]
  36. Orosa J A, Costa A M, Rodriguez-Fernandez A, Roshan G. Effect of climate change on outdoor thermal comfort in humid climates. Journal of Environmental Health Science & Engineering. 2014;12:46. doi: 10.1186/2052-336X-12-46. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  37. Ou C Q, Yang J, Ou Q Q, Liu H Z, Lin G Z, Chen P Y, Qian J, Guo Y M. The impact of relative humidity and atmospheric pressure on mortality in Guangzhou, China. Biomedical and Environmental Sciences. 2014;27:917–925. doi: 10.3967/bes2014.132. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  38. Philbey A W, Button C, Gestier A W, Munro B E, Glastonbury J R, Hindmarsh M, Love S C. Anasarca and myopathy in ostrich chicks. Australian Veterinary Journal. 1991;68:237–240. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1991.tb03215.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  39. del Pilar Monge M, Magnoli C E, Chiacchiera S M. Survey of Aspergillus and Fusarium species and their mycotoxins in raw materials and poultry feeds from Córdoba, Argentina. Mycotoxin Research. 2012;28:111–122. doi: 10.1007/s12550-011-0121-8. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  40. Pillow J J, Hillman N H, Polglase G R, Moss T J, Kallapur S G, Cheah F C, Kramer B W, Jobe A H. Oxygen, temperature and humidity of inspired gases and their influences on airway and lung tissue in near-term lambs. Intensive Care Medicine. 2009;35:2157–2163. doi: 10.1007/s00134-009-1624-z. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  41. Plewa K, Lonc E. Seasonal biodiversity of pathogenic fungi in farming air area. Case study. Wiadomości Parazytologiczne. 2011;57:118–122. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  42. Renggaman A, Choi H L, Sudiarto S I A, Alasaarela L, Nam O S. Development of pig welfare assessment protocol integrating animal-, environment-, and management-based measures. Journal of Animal Science and Technology. 2015;57:1–11. doi: 10.1186/s40781-014-0034-0. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  43. Robine E, Boulange-Petermann L, Derangere D. Assessing bactericidal properties of materials: the case of metallic surfaces in contact with air. Journal of Microbiological Methods. 2002;49:225–234. doi: 10.1016/s0167-7012(01)00371-2. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  44. Schaffer F L, Soergel M E, Straube D C. Survival of airborne influenza virus: Effects of propagating host, relative humidity, and composition of spray fluids. Archives of Virology. 1976;51:263–273. doi: 10.1007/BF01317930. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  45. Sherwood S, Fu Q. Climate change. A drier future? Science. 2014;343:737–739. doi: 10.1126/science.1247620. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  46. Sunwoo Y, Chou C, Takeshita J, Murakami M, Tochihara Y. Physiological and subjective responses to low relative humidity. Journal of Physiological Anthropology. 2006;25:7–14. doi: 10.2114/jpa2.25.7. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  47. Tellier R. Review of aerosol transmission of influenza A virus. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2006;12:1657–1662. doi: 10.3201/eid1211.060426. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  48. Tian G, Qiao Z, Xu X. Characteristics of particulate matter (PM10) and its relationship with meteorological factors during 2001–2012 in Beijing. Environmental Pollution. 2014;192:266–274. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.04.036. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  49. Todd D A, John E, Osborn R A. Tracheal damage following conventional and high-frequency ventilation at low and high humidity. Critical Care Medicine. 1991;19:1310–1316. doi: 10.1097/00003246-199110000-00014. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  50. Tyrovolas S, Chalkias C, Morena M, Kalogeropoulos K, Tsakountakis N, Zeimbekis A, Gotsis E, Metallinos G, Bountziouka V, Lionis C, Polychronopoulos E, Panagiotakos D. High relative environmental humidity is associated with diabetes among elders living in Mediterranean islands. Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders. 2014;13:25. doi: 10.1186/2251-6581-13-25. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  51. Vučemilo M, Matković K, Vinković B, Macan J, Varnai V M, Prester L, Granić K, Orct T. Effect of microclimate on the airborne dust and endotoxin concentration in a broiler house. Czech Journal of Animal Science. 2008;53:83–89. [Google Scholar]
  52. Weaver W D, Jr, Meijerhof R. The effect of different levels of relative humidity and air movement on litter conditions, ammonia levels, growth, and carcass quality for broiler chickens. Poultry Science. 1991;70:746–755. doi: 10.3382/ps.0700746. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  53. Webster A C. The adverse effect of environment on the response to distemper vaccination. Australian Veterinary Journal. 1975;51:488–490. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1975.tb02388.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  54. Weinstein R A, Bridges C B, Kuehnert M J, Hall C B. Transmission of influenza: Implications for control in health care settings. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2003;37:1094–1101. doi: 10.1086/378292. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  55. William B. Ventilation and Animal Health. Newsletter July/August 2001. Agricultural Engineering Department, Michigan State University; USA: 2001. pp. 1–8. [Google Scholar]
  56. Winn P N, Godfrey E F. The effect of humidity on growth and feed conversion of broiler chickens. International Journal of Biometeorology. 1967;11:39–50. [Google Scholar]
  57. Yahav S, Goldfeld S, Plavnik I, Hurwitz S. Physiological responses of chickens and turkeys to relative humidity during exposure to high ambient temperature. Journal of Thermal Biology. 1995;20:245–253. [Google Scholar]
  58. Yang W, Marr L C. Mechanisms by which ambient humidity may affect viruses in aerosols. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 2012;78:6781–6788. doi: 10.1128/AEM.01658-12. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  59. Yoder H W, Jr, Drury L N, Hopkins S R. Influence of environment on airsacculitis: Effects of relative humidity and air temperature on broilers infected with Mycoplasma synoviae and infectious bronchitis. Avian Diseases. 1977;21:195–208. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  60. Zhao Y, Liu X, Mo D, Chen Q, Chen Y. Analysis of reasons for sow culling and seasonal effects on reproductive disorders in Southern China. Animal Reproduction Science. 2015;159:191–197. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.06.018. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  61. Zucker B A, Trojan S, Müller W. Airborne Gram-negative bacterial flora in animal houses. Journal of Veterinary Medicine (Series B) 2000;47:37–46. doi: 10.1046/j.1439-0450.2000.00308.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Articles from Journal of Integrative Agriculture are provided here courtesy of Elsevier

RESOURCES