Assessment of spatial variability of bedding variables in compost bedded pack barns with climate control system

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the spatial distribution of bedding variables in a climate-controlled compost bedded pack barn (CBP) equipped with an evaporative cooling system associated with a tunnel ventilation mode. The study was conducted on a farm in the West Mesoregion of Minas, MG, Brazil. The interior of the animal facility was divided into a mesh of 120 equidistant points, where the bedding surface temperature (t b-sur ), the bedding temperature at 0.20 m depth (t b-20 ) and the bedding penetration resistance (PR b ) of layer 0 to 0.20 m depth were measured. Bedding samples were collected to obtain the moisture (M b ) and pH in the surface and at 0.20 m depth. Geostatistics technique was used to evaluate the dependence and spatial distribution. Through the bedding area, the t b-sur presented low variability, with 6 ºC of amplitude, and t b-20 presented highest values (up to 55 °C). The spatial distribution of M b-20 was similar to that observed on the surface and its highest levels occurred in the region near the feed alley (> 40%). The distribution of pH was similar in both layers. The tendency of high PR b occurred in the layer between 0.15 and 0.20 m (0 and 1500 kPa).

Spatial analysis of microclimatic variables in compost-bedded pack barn with evaporative tunnel cooling

“…Such an open typology, however, makes the thermal control of the environment vulnerable. Recently some closed CBP facilities with more stringent environmental control systems are being implemented in Brazil, in order to remedy or alleviate this problem (Andrade et al 2020, Valente et al 2020, Oliveira et al 2021.…”

“…Therefore, the knowledge of the spatial variability of microclimate attributes allows a spatial visualization which is useful for planning and controlling information in the production environment besides indicating possible stress zones inside the facility (Miragliotta et al 2006, Faria et al 2008. Thus, the use and support of mathematical tools and computational techniques, such as the geostatistics use, makes the interpretation of the environmental attributes variability more accurate, helping in the correct handling of confined animals and the more effective control of the ventilation system used (Abreu et al 2016, Curi et al 2017, Oliveira et al 2021.…”

Compost Barns: A Bibliometric Analysis

“…This large increase in publications indicates that the compost barn system has become a topic of global interest. The main topics discussed in that year were spatial variability in the thermal environment and bedding characteristics [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ].…”

Compost Dairy Barn Layout and Management Recommendations in Kentucky: A Descriptive Study

“…In 2015, in Brazil, some closed CBP facilities were built, equipped with negative pressure mechanical ventilation systems [ 2 , 32 , 33 ]. According to the research carried out during the summer and winter, the characteristics of the bedding indicated that the material was at undesirable levels for optimal composting, with emphasis on the high levels of litter moisture [ 3 ].…”