Measuring Ventilation in a Horse Trailer During Transport

Abstract

Few studies have investigated the environmental conditions under which horsestravel, and consequently little is known about the thermal environment within horse trailers. Animalwell-being may be compromised by exposure to extreme temperatures, or air contaminants leadingto complications such as dehydration, heat stress, or respiratory infection as a consequence ofinsufficient ventilation. This study was undertaken to estimate ventilation rates within an empty horsetrailer during transport. Estimation of ventilation rates were made by measuring the decay time of aknown quantity of carbon dioxide (CO2) at different locations within the trailer. Ventilation ratesthrough a horse trailer were evaluated as functions of vehicle speed and opening sizes.<br><br>Four different travel speeds (48, 72, 88, and 104 kmh-1) and three different ventconfigurations were tested (all closed, roof vents open, and all vents/windows open). Dry bulbtemperature, relative humidity, and CO2 concentration were measured at two locations in the trailer;ambient air temperature, relative humidity, and vehicle speed were also measured. Average airexchange rates at Stall 1 and Stall 3 locations in the trailer were 0.99 and 1.1 air exchanges perminute, respectively. Ventilation rates increased with vehicle speed and amount of open vent area,but vehicle speed was found to be the only significant factor which affected ventilation in the trailer.