An Integrated Engineering Method for Improving Air Quality of Cage-Free Hen Housing

Abstract

High particulate matter levels in cage-free (CF) houses have led to concerns from producers, as that can pose significant risks to the health and well-being of hens and their caretakers. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an electrostatic particle ionization (EPI) + bedding management (BM) treatment in reducing particulate matter (PM) concentrations. Four identical CF rooms each housed 175 hens for six weeks, with two rooms assigned to the EPI + BM treatment (EPI + 20% wood chip topping over 81-week-old litter) and the other two as controls. Measurements of PM were conducted twice a week for 10 min using TSI DustTrak. Additionally, small and large particle concentrations were monitored continuously using a Dylos monitor, with a sampling period of one minute. Footpad scoring was recorded for logistic analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with the Tukey HSD method (p < 0.05). Results demonstrated that the EPI + BM treatment significantly reduced particle counts (37.83% decrease in small particles, 55.90% decrease in large particles) compared to the control group (p < 0.01). PM concentrations were also substantially lowered across different size fractions, ranging from 58.41% to 64.17%. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the EPI + BM treatment in reducing PM in CF houses. The integration of EPI and bedding management innovated in this study holds promise for improving air quality and contributing to the well-being of hens and caretakers in CF housing systems.