Glossary of terms on animal housing: interconnecting engineering, physical and physiological definitions

Abstract

Animal Housing is a multidisciplinary scientific area which requires the involvement of scientists from different fields such as engineers, physicians, animal scientists, veterinarians, etc. Their collaboration requires the establishment and use of a standardized vocabulary that provides consistency and reduces misunderstandings among scientists with diverse background or Nationality. A first dictionary entitled ‘Glossary of Terms on Animal Housing: Basic Engineering, Physical and Physiological Definitions’ has been prepared by a Working Group (Animal Housing in Hot Climate) established under CIGR-Section II. The glossary made reference to Engineering, Thermal Biology and Environmental Physiology disciplines and it aimed at (1) setting-up uniformity in Animal Housing terms related to climatization and to (2) serve as a focal point for the development of valuable new terms and definitions, and become a functional tool for all those involved in this study subject. Furthermore, the glossary can eventually become a background document for opening-up further discussions on the meaning of various terms used in Animal Housing.