Ammonia and carbon dioxide concentrations in a layer house

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Animal Science
• Agricultural Engineering

Background:

• Ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) negatively impact animal health and productivity in enclosed farming environments.
• Understanding gas concentrations is crucial for optimizing animal housing conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure summer concentrations of NH3 and CO2 in a naturally ventilated laying henhouse in Turkey.
• To correlate gas levels with indoor environmental conditions and ventilation rates.

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous measurement of NH3, CO2, temperature, and relative humidity in a laying henhouse.
• Data collection during summer 2013 in Bursa region, western Turkey.
• Analysis of gas concentrations at inlet, exhaust, and ambient conditions.

Main Results:

• Average NH3 concentrations were 8.05 ppm (exhaust) and 5.42 ppm (inlet); average CO2 was 732 ppm (exhaust) and 625 ppm (inlet).
• Highest gas concentrations (10.58 ppm NH3, 904 ppm CO2) occurred during low ventilation in the afternoon.
• Lowest gas concentrations (6.98 ppm NH3, 609 ppm CO2) were recorded during high ventilation in the early morning.

Conclusions:

• Ventilation rate significantly influences NH3 and CO2 concentrations in naturally ventilated henhouses.
• Optimizing ventilation timing and levels can mitigate high gas exposures, improving animal welfare and productivity.