Author
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HAYES, MORGAN |
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Submitted to: Midwest Poultry Federation Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 3/2/2013 Publication Date: 3/13/2013 Citation: Hayes, M. 2013. Natural ventilation in organic poultry houses in cold weather. Midwest Poultry Federation Proceedings. PowerPoint presentation. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: This topic was suggested as a way to address concerns with winter ventilation and temperature control. The suggestion came with a request that the presentation cover “proper management in cooler ambient temps. The broad issue is most organic egg production is brown and these birds have an easy ability to lay very large eggs beyond what the industry can use. I have seen up to 56lbs case weights and the industry struggles once case weight gets over 51lbs. In cooler barn temps, brown birds eat more feed and this drives egg size higher and once the bird gets to a heavier case weight it is almost impossible to bring it down even later on in summer. Ventilation is one of the primary methods to control temperature, but there are some other options. This presentation covers natural ventilation and ways to decrease it. As well, it briefly overviews other management options and concerns with winter temperature control. How Natural Ventilation Works Natural ventilation works based on the premise that fresh air is supplied based on natural forces. There are two types of natural ventilation: thermal buoyancy and wind driven. Buoyancy driven ventilation is the primary method in winter months, because it results in less air being exchanged, while wind provides summer ventilation due to more air exchanges. However, natural ventilation is difficult to manage for consistent indoor conditions due to its dependence on the weather. Thermal buoyancy driven ventilation works because hot air rises. The birds in a naturally ventilated barn produce heat, which in turn heat the air near the ground. That air rises and is released through a ridge vent. Managing the area available for the air to enter and leave the barn as well as the height between those openings can adjust the ventilation rate driven by thermal buoyancy. The greater the opening or the greater the distance from inlet to outlet, the higher the air exchange will be. In the winter, when trying to maintain temperatures, limiting inlets and outlets and keeping inlets closer to the ceiling will lower ventilation rates. If the air entering the barn is further from the ridge (i.e. if the opening is on the floor where free-range birds move freely in and out of the barn) the ventilation rate will be higher than it would be if the opening were near the ceiling. While buoyancy is ideal for winter ventilation, wind is a major concern, because it can easily increase ventilation. Wind driven ventilation occurs when wind moves through an opening. Wind speed and direction as well as the inlet and outlet areas affect the amount of ventilation. Wind driven ventilation will increase if there are larger openings on the windward side of the barn. Below is a map showing prevailing wind directions and speeds in January. Much of the Midwest has wind from the northwest in the winter with average wind speeds greater than 9 miles per hour. Leaving large inlets open greatly increases winter ventilation and will cause cold drafts to reach the birds. Ways to Limit Natural Ventilation Natural ventilation is best managed by limiting inlet and outlet areas. In the case of many barns, the inlets are often a definite size because the birds use them to enter and leave the barns. These inlets near the floors are not ideal because of both the height to the outlet as well as the possible cold drafty air reaching the birds. If inlets can be placed so they are not on the windward side of the barn in the winter, it is ideal. Outlets may be easier to close off, in order to lower ventilation rates. A ridge vent runs along the length of the barns, but short sections may be able to be closed off along the length. A final consideration is to try to find and limit leaks in the barn; these could be doors that are left open or curtain sidewalls that are not sealed. Other Management Considerations |
