Abstract
The aim of this research was to evaluate the spatial distribution of bedding variables in a climate-controlled compost bedded pack barn (CBP) equipped with an evaporative cooling system associated with a tunnel ventilation mode. The study was conducted on a farm in the West Mesoregion of Minas, MG, Brazil. The interior of the animal facility was divided into a mesh of 120 equidistant points, where the bedding surface temperature (tb-sur), the bedding temperature at 0.20 m depth (tb-20) and the bedding penetration resistance (PRb) of layer 0 to 0.20 m depth were measured. Bedding samples were collected to obtain the moisture (Mb) and pH in the surface and at 0.20 m depth. Geostatistics technique was used to evaluate the dependence and spatial distribution. Through the bedding area, the tb-sur presented low variability, with 6 ºC of amplitude, and tb-20 presented highest values (up to 55 °C). The spatial distribution of Mb-20 was similar to that observed on the surface and its highest levels occurred in the region near the feed alley (> 40%). The distribution of pH was similar in both layers. The tendency of high PRb occurred in the layer between 0.15 and 0.20 m (0 and 1500 kPa).
Highlights
Greater attention was given to animal comfort as a result of the introduction of genetically developed animals for temperate climates in Brazil, because the country has a tropical climate with high temperatures occurring all year throughout its territory (Faria et al 2008)
The aim of this research was to evaluate the dependence and spatial distribution of the bedding variables: temperature, moisture, pH and penetration resistance in a climatecontrolled compost bedded pack barn (CBP) equipped with an evaporative cooling system associated with a tunnel ventilation mode
The parameters of the experimental semivariogramas fitted to the spherical model using the REML method are summarized in the Table II, for each variable studied
Summary
Greater attention was given to animal comfort as a result of the introduction of genetically developed animals for temperate climates in Brazil, because the country has a tropical climate with high temperatures occurring all year throughout its territory (Faria et al 2008) In this context, the use of intensive production systems in which animals remain housed in comfortable and functional facilities to provide a comfortable environment, to reduce stress and, increase the welfare and productive capacity of animals has emerged (Perissinotto et al 2009). The ventilation system is one of the main factors that must be considered to achieve a successful CBP barn It provides a comfortable environment for the animals, removes gases and heat, and dries the bedding material (Lobeck et al 2011, Pilatti & Vieira 2017).
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