Experimental evaluation of heat and moisture transfer in metal dog cage environments

Dog cages with solid and expanded metal flooring were tested while unoccupied, occupied by a 10-kg adult male beagle, and occupied by simulated loads to represent a beagle and a greyhound. Cage performances were evaluated with no direct coupling between the room air supply and the cage, and with mechanical coupling of 50% and 100% of the room air supplied directly to the cage. At each of these conditions, the room was maintained at approximately 24 degrees C and 45% relative humidity with room air exchange rates of 5, 10, and 15 changes per hr. Results indicated significant differences existed in dry-bulb and dew-point temperatures between the cage and the room. These differences, together with significant vertical gradients of air velocity and dry-bulb and dew-point temperatures within the cage were shown to be affected by room air exchange rate, cage flooring, type of coupling, and cage load.