Air quality in swine growing and finishing facilities with different building typologies

Qualidade do ar em instalações para suínos em crescimento e terminação com diferentes tipologias construtivas

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration of gases in three swine growing and finishing facilities with different building typologies, regarding floor and dividers. The experiment compared three treatments: pen with water depth, pen with partially slotted floor on the sides, and pen with partially slotted floor on sides and in the center. Measurements of instantaneous concentrations of ammonia (NH₃ ppm) and carbon dioxide (CO₂ ppm) were taken at animal level. The levels of sound pressure (dB) at animal level and at 1.50 m from the floor were also recorded. It was observed that the pen with water depth was the one with the highest average concentration of NH₃. Although there was a significant difference in CO₂ concentrations, the observed values are within the limits allowed by the Brazilian standards; thus, it is assumed that the facilities do not cause discomfort in relation to CO₂ levels. The pen with water depth possibly caused discomfort to the animals, since the NH₃ concentration was above the values that can cause problems to the animals, according to the recommendation of the literature. There was no influence of the type of pen on the sound pressure at any time.

Key words:
animal welfare; rural buildings; gas concentration; sound pressure