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Absorption and Reflection of Solar Radiation in Relation to Coat Color in Cattle

United States Department of Agriculture

Abstract

PRELIMINARY REPORT

In continuance of studies of the physiological-genetic factors in cattle responsible for the inherent quality of adaptability to tropical climatic conditions, observations were made during the summer of 1940 on the fraction of the total solar radiation reflected from cattle, in relation to coat color. Total solar radiation and reflection were measured in foot-candles by the use of a Weston illumination meter.

In consideration of the fact that the animal body offers all degrees of incidence to solar radiation, the measurements of the latter were taken at zero degrees of incidence to the sun and over that portion of the body exposed at the same angle. The reflections were measured by reversing the light target and recording the meter indication. The instrument was held sufficiently close to the animals to receive reflections from the coat only, but at a sufficient distance to cause the shadow of the instrument to be a minimum part of the field.