Livestock Facilities Indoor Air Monitoring

Fresh air is equally important for animals as it is for human beings, so adequate ventilation  in livestock facilities is vital for animal welfare. Typically, good air quality is defined in terms of temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide.

The most obvious reason to measure CO₂ in livestock facilities is safety. Broken ventilation systems or blackouts can even result in animals dying, but an early-warning system gives farmers the time to take action. There are also regulations and laws in place to protect animal welfare. Today, consumers are increasingly interested in the origin of the food they buy and consume. For example, in the poultry industry many customers prefer suppliers that can provide assurances that the animals are treated well – but this is not only about creating a positive image. Animals whose well-being has been properly monitored and maintained are healthier, which often makes the end-product quality better. 

The environment is also an important aspect of carbon dioxide measurement. Controlling ventilation in livestock facilities by measuring CO₂ allows for heating and ventilation to be optimized, resulting in energy savings. For example, if cattle are released outdoors on a warm, sunny spring day, automatic CO₂ measurement can detect that the barn is empty and stop the ventilation system, whereas a time-based system would continue running regardless.

Although it is important to optimize operational costs in order to save energy, it’s not the only reason, CO₂ emissions will play an increasingly important role in all businesses in the future. 

Vaisala’s handheld and fixed instruments for monitoring carbon dioxide, relative humidity, and temperature in livestock facilities are designed to tolerate the humid, dusty, and even corrosive conditions typical of these environments.

Read in the application note How reliable CO2 monitoring improves animal welfare and the sustainability of meat production.

Learn how a turkey farm clears the air.

Or attend this on-demand webinar on Measuring carbon dioxide reliably in demanding conditions and get tips on how to achieve it.