Comparison of Particulate Matter and Ammonia Emission in Different Types of Laying Hen Poultry Houses during Spring

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and NH3 emissions from different types of laying hens poultry houses during spring. The concentrations of PM and NH3 were measured three times (2-week intervals; March to May) in Floor-pen-, Aviary-, and Cage-type poultry houses. Overall, PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were found to be low from 22:00 to 04:00. The PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in Floor-pen and Cage houses were similar with no significant daily deviation. NH3 concentrations measured over 24 h at the center and end of Floor-pen house were relatively constant. Irrespective of measurement location, NH3 concentrations were the lowest in Floor-pen house. Moreover, NH3 concentrations were higher at the end of Floor-pen and Aviary houses than that at the center; however, lower concentrations of NH3 were detected at the end of Cage house. The concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 around the poultry houses were 57.5 and 34.0 μg/m, respectively, with the daily average PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations (4,730 and 447.7 μg/m, respective) being the highest in Aviary house. The concentrations of NH3 at the center and end of Cage house were the highest at 12.0 and 9.31 ppm, respectively. Furthermore, in Cage house, the emission factor of NH3 was the lowest, whereas there was no significant difference on that of NH3. In conclusion, among the three types of poultry houses assessed, PM (PM10, PM2.5) concentrations were higher in Aviary house, whereas NH3 concentrations were higher in Cage house. (