Authors: J. Lavoie. G. Marchand and G. Gingras
Identifier: 
Download file: https://library.csbe-scgab.ca/docs/journal/39/39_4_317_ocr.pdf
Published in: CBE Journal » CBE Journal Volume 39 (1997)

Download RAW file: https://library.csbe-scgab.ca/docs/journal/39/39_4_317_raw.pdf
DOI:
Description: Several studies have reported a high frequency of respiratory problems among workers employed at pig-housing facilities. This indicates the need for developing preventive measures such as those based on ventilation. This study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of pit ventilation systems and evaluate their performance over time. To this end, levels of chemical and biological contaminants usually present in pig barns were compared in facilities using pit and conventional ventilation systems using standard Institut de recherche en sante et en securite du travail du Quebec (lRSST) methods. Measurements were carried out in adjacent gestating sow stalls in the same building on the same farm. The pen size, medication, and feed administered to the animals and frequency with which manure pits and manure sluices were cleaned was the same in both groups. The pit ventilation system is capable of reducing the concentration of most contaminants emanating from manure sluices, e.g., total bacteria, ammonia, and dust, if ventilation rates are kept high enough. This is reflected in the significantly lower concentrations (p :::, 0.05) observed for these contaminants. With the exception of winter concentrations of carbon dioxide, chemical contaminants in the pit-exhaust facility were less than half of applicable exposure limits set by the Quebec Regulation Respecting the Quality of the Work Environment (QRWE). However, the concentrations of total bacteria were comparable to those reported elsewhere for conventional facilities and the concentrations of Gram-negative bacteria in the pit ventilation system were 8 to 41 times higher than those recommended. The pit ventilation system was thus unable to ensure a healthy environment.

Keywords:
Résumé:
Mots-clés:
Citation: J. Lavoie. G. Marchand and G. Gingras 1997. PIT VENTILATION IN PIG-HOUSING FACILITIES. Canadian Agricultural Engineering 39(4):317-326.
Volume: 39
Issue: 4
Pages -
Contributor:
Date: 1997
Technical field:
Conference name:
Session name:

Other information:
Type: Text.Article
Format: PDF
Publication type:
Source:
Relation:
Coverage: Canada
Language 1: en
Language 2:
Rights: Canadian Society for Bioengineering
Notes:
Other files: