Variations in Air Quality of New Ohio Dairy Facilities with Natural Ventilation Systems

Abstract

As dairy operations evolve towards larger, concentrated facilities, air quality on and around the dairy farms becomes a concern. Data on air quality in and around large dairy facilities are insufficient and therefore very much needed. In this study, preliminary data on air quality spatial distribution and temporal variations on two new large dairy facilities with naturally ventilated free stall barns and outside manure storage were collected. Concentration of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3) at 12 to 14 locations on each farm were measured in three seasons using portable gas analyzers. Odor samples were collected at odor sources, upwind and downwind locations. Dust was measured using a portable dust mass concentration meter. Gas levels inside the dairy buildings at one leeward location were continuously monitored for three days in two seasons. In addition, indoor and outdoor temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity were measured to determine effects of these parameters on air quality.