Indoor air quality improvement from particle matters for laying hen poultry houses

Abstract

During breeding periods poultry production may produce harmful effects on the environment. Emissions of dust, odour and ammonia into the surrounding environment via the ventilation systems used in poultry houses create environmental hazards with the expulsion of large quantities of dust representing the main environmental concern. Indoor dust concentration in poultry houses must be controlled to provide adequate air quality for labourers and animals inside breeding enclosures. This study investigated the effects of diurnal change, seasonal breeding systems and housing style on indoor dust production and correlated this data with theoretical animal activity. Various ranges of indoor dust particle concentrations were measured within both aviary and cage systems containing laying hens. Measurements were taken throughout the whole day during two different seasons. An attempt was made to improve indoor air quality by purifying the recirculating air inside the poultry house. In order to select appropriate filtration system, and working conditions for the experiment, laboratory scale experiments were carried out. The efficiency of the designed filtering systems was tested in a floor housing system and finally a best performing filtering system was tested in a commercial floor housing system. During small scale barn measurements, a dry filter achieved the highest dust reduction efficiency in comparison to cyclone and wet filtration systems. Following these experiments, the designed dry filter was recommended for testing in a commercial farm. Reduction efficiencies were 55 and 72% for indoor concentration and dust emission rate, respectively. ► Dust concentration and emission estimated in two laying hen houses (cage and aviary). ► The measurements were taken over two year seasons (winter and summer) through the whole day. ► New dry filter was designed after selecting appropriate materials and working conditions. ► The reduction efficiency of dry and wet filter system was examined. ► The designed filter is recommended for use on commercial scale farms.