Air velocity spatial variability in open Compost-Bedded Pack Barn system with positive pressure ventilation

Abstract

In Compost-Bedded Pack Barn (CBP) systems, air velocity is linked with the thermal comfort of housed dairy cattle and bedding quality and, therefore, assessing ventilation efficiency is essential. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate and characterize dependence and spatial distribution of air velocity at the 1.5 m height (v_air,_M) and at bedding level (v_air,_B) in an open CBP system with positive pressure ventilation. The study was conducted in 2021, in a facility located in the Zona da Mata region, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The facility area was divided into a mesh composed of 55 equidistant points, where v_air,_M and v_air,_B data were collected in the morning (09:00 a.m.) and afternoon (03:00 p.m.) periods, during three weeks in Brazilian winter. Geostatistics techniques were used to assess dependence and spatial distribution. In both periods evaluated, there were a strong occurrence of spatial dependence and non-uniform v_air,_M and v_air,_B distributions. The v_air,_M and v_air,_B values were lower than recommended (1.8 m∙s–¹) in more than 65.0% of the area. Adequate ventilation levels were observed only in the first 20.0 m of the facility, from Southeast to Northwest, because of the fan lines present.

Key words
dairy cattle confinement; ventilation efficiency; thermal comfort; geostatistics.