Studies on the concentrations of particulate matter and ammonia gas from three laying hen rearing systems during the summer season

Abstract

This study aimed to measure the concentrations of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) and ammonia gas (NH3) from different types of laying hen houses during summer. The treatment groups included conventional cage, floor pens, and aviary system, with tunnel ventilation system applied to all poultry houses. The PM10 concentration was highest in the aviary system from 10:00 h to 18:30 h, whereas in the cage, it remained high after 18:30 h until 7:30 h the next day. The cage showed high levels of PM2.5 from 18:30 h to 7:30 h the next day. The correlation between the three breeding systems showed an R 2 < 0.2. The mean daily concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, and NH3 were highest in the cage, among all the poultry houses. On comparing the two welfare breeding systems (floor pens and aviary system), particulate matter concentrations were higher in the floor pens, while the aviary system had higher level of NH3. However, no significant differences were observed between the concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, and NH3 between the three laying hen houses in summer. This study provides basic data for improving the rearing environment in the three different types of poultry housing systems.