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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Mississippi State, Mississippi » Poultry Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #283158

Title: Tunnel ventilation system design and management

Author
item Purswell, Joseph - Jody

Submitted to: Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/12/2012
Publication Date: 4/12/2012
Citation: Purswell, J.L. 2012. Tunnel ventilation system design and management. Proceedings of the North Carolina Broiler Supervisors Short Course, April 12, 2012.

Interpretive Summary: Properly designed and functioning tunnel ventilation systems in broiler houses are essential for maintaining productivity of broilers in warm weather. Convective heat loss from high air velocity provides cooling which improves performance; however, high air velocities require larger fans and increased power usage. In order to maximize benefits from electrical input costs, air velocity must be correctly measured to determine proper system operation. The traditional method of velocity traverse should be used to measure velocity at multiple points in a cross section to determine average broiler house velocity.

Technical Abstract: Properly designed and functioning tunnel ventilation systems in broiler houses are essential for maintaining productivity of broilers in warm weather. Convective heat loss from high air velocity provides cooling which improves performance; however, high air velocities require larger fans and increased power usage. In order to maximize benefits from electrical input costs, air velocity must be correctly measured to determine proper system operation. The traditional method of velocity traverse should be used to measure velocity at multiple points in a cross section to determine average broiler house velocity.