Description

Heat and moisture production values are used to size ventilation fans in animal housing. The heat and moisture production (HP and MP) values that are currently published in the ASHRAE standards are from data collected in either the 1970’s (nursery piglets) or the 1950’s (growing-finishing pigs). This series of studies, conducted to systematically update the HP and MP standards, includes a series of four indirect calorimeter studies (nursery, growing finishing gilts, and finishing barrows), and six facility-level studies (nursery, growing, early finishing, late finishing, gestating gilts, and farrowing sows and litters). The studies were completed at various temperatures from thermal neutral to hot conditions, demonstrating the trends that HP and feed intake decreased while MP increased as environmental temperature increased. Overall, HP was found to be 16% higher than current standards. In order to predict MP from the entire facility rather than just the animals, the waste handling systems, sprinkle cooling systems, and non-vented gas-fired heaters were monitored and found to contribute significantly to the overall MP. Continuous measurements showed a diurnal HP pattern that was higher during light than dark periods, with peaks just after lights came on and just before lights went off. These updated HP and MP values are essential in designing new and managing current swine facilities.

Product Details

Number of Pages:

76

File Size:

1 file , 1.9 MB

Product Code(s):

D-RP-1475