Optical Dust Meters May Misestimate Dust Concentrations in Animal Barns

By Xufei Yang and Ryan Samuel et.al

 

Dust is a major air quality issue associated with livestock facilities. In an animal barn, dust particles can originate from feeds, feces, and beddings, and can reach a very high concentration when animals are active, ventilation is poor, and/or feeding systems are running. Dust also represents a potential safety and health risk factor for caretakers in barns. Dust particles at high concentrations, especially small particles, are harmful to the humans’ respiratory systems. Together with hazardous gases, dust exposure can cause chronic bronchitis, decreased lung functions, aggravated asthma, and other acute and chronic respiratory symptoms. Dust can also carry odorous chemicals and, thus, play a crucial role in transporting and magnifying odor downwind from animal facilities.

Video: Episode 107: Think you have a closed herd?

Surveys show many producers believe they operate a closed herd, but what does “closed” really mean? For some, it simply means being genetically closed by raising their own replacements and cleanup bulls, using artificial insemination for new genetics and avoiding the purchase of outsourced cattle. However, being a truly closed herd goes far beyond genetics. A closed herd also works to eliminate as many potential sources of disease introduction as possible. In this episode, we take a closer look at what it truly means to run a closed herd.