Evaluation of Actual Ventilation Rates and Efficiency in Research-Scale Pig Houses Based on Ventilation Configurations

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study evaluated the ventilation rates and efficiency in research-scale pig houses by examining different inlet and exhaust configurations. The goal was to understand how well the ventilation system worked. Two pig rooms were studied, and actual ventilation rates were measured using specialized equipment. The results revealed that certain combinations of inlets and exhausts performed better in terms of ventilation rates. However, the measured rates were lower than expected. This study also found that the side exhaust fan closer to where the pigs were active was more effective at providing fresh air compared to the chimney exhaust fan. Additionally, the ceiling inlet provided better air distribution. This study highlights the importance of choosing the right ventilation setup to ensure a healthy environment for both pigs and workers. By improving ventilation efficiency, this research can contribute to creating better conditions for pig farming, resulting in improved animal welfare and productivity. ABSTRACT: Accurate ventilation control is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive environment in research-specialized pig facilities. This study aimed to evaluate actual ventilation rates and ventilation efficiency by investigating different inlet and exhaust configurations. The research was conducted in two pig rooms, namely pig room A and pig room B, in the absence of animals and workers to focus solely on evaluating the ventilation system’s performance. Actual ventilation rates were measured using hood-type anemometers, and the local air change per hour was analyzed at various measurement points via tracer gas decay experiments. The results demonstrated that specific inlet and exhaust combinations, such as side inlet/chimney outlet and ceiling inlet/side outlet, exhibited higher ventilation rates. However, the measured ventilation rates were much lower than the manufacturer’s specifications. The side exhaust fan closer to the pig activity space demonstrated better ventilation effectiveness for the animals than the chimney exhaust fan. Additionally, the ceiling inlet exhibited superior air distribution and uniformity. Lower ventilation rates and higher infiltration ratios resulted in reduced ventilation efficiency, with the difference between pig and worker activity spaces being pronounced. This study emphasizes the importance of selecting optimal inlet and exhaust configurations to achieve efficient ventilation and create a healthy environment for both pigs and workers.