Abstract
Ambient air quality in livestock buildings is one of the most important factors affecting environmental pollution and global warming. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane (CH 4 ), ammonia (NH 3 ) and hydrogen sulphide (H 2 S) are among the most hazardous gases in terms of human and animal health. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hourly, daily and seasonal variations in the levels of hazardous gases, such as CO 2 , CH 4 , NH 3 and H 2 S in a solid-floor confinement sheep barn; as well as the effect of climatic parameters, temperature (T), relative humidity (RH) and air flow (AF) on animal welfare. The correlation between hazardous gases and climatic factors in the barn was also determined. The study was carried out on a sheep farm between July 2012 and June 2013 in Konya (Turkey) where few data are currently available on this subject. Climatic data were measured at intervals of five minutes at different points during this study, while hazardous gases were measured at the same intervals during the experimental periods (10 days for each season). All data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s method was used to reveal intergroup differences. Cross-bilateral correlation between all data and different time periods was examined. There were significant differences between hourly and daily mean values of CO 2 , NH 3 , T, RH and AF. CO 2 and NH 3 levels showed a significant correlation with T and RH. Unfortunately, H 2 S and CH 4 were below the level of detection in the study. Reducing the formation of these harmful gases, which have negative effects on animal production and cause environmental pollution, will be carried out with new sheep barn designs that take into account ambient air quality appropriate for animal welfare. Keywords: Ambient air quality, animal production, CH 4 , CO 2 , environmental pollution, H 2 S, NH 3 , sheep barn
Highlights
Previous studies have indicated that the health and welfare of sheltered small ruminants can be significantly improved by factors such as regular checking of interior climate and sanitation (Budisatria et al, 2007)
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ambient air quality and some climatic factors on animal welfare, and hourly, daily and seasonal variations of measured CO2, CH4, NH3 and H2S concentrations, and T, relative humidity (RH) and air flow (AF) in a solid-floor confinement barn for sheep in Konya, Turkey
The CO2 and NH3 levels showed a significant correlation with T and RH for the day-time experimental period (r: 0.699; P
Summary
Previous studies have indicated that the health and welfare of sheltered small ruminants can be significantly improved by factors such as regular checking of interior climate and sanitation (Budisatria et al, 2007). Livestock building conditions have a significant effect on animal welfare (Caroprese, 2008). In the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, agriculture alone is estimated to account for around 10% to 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and emissions from this sector are expected to rise until 2030 (Metz et al, 2007). Eighty percent of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions consists of nitrogen oxides from grassland and arable land that is used to grow feed crops, and methane from the digestive processes of ruminant animals such as cows and sheep (Anonymous, 2006). This issue has not received much attention in Turkey
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
