Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment
Agricultural Machinery Research Design Centre
Agricultural Machinery Research Design Centre
Design and fabrication of an experimental device for determining the quality of dust in a livestock bedding material
The presence of high concentrations of airborne pollutant,
particularly airborne particles within piggery buildings and associated
high emission rates are well documented in the literature (Banhazi et
aL.2004;Takai et al. 1998). It has been demonstrated that high airborne
particle concentrations are associated with a reduced production
efficiency in pigs and increased Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)
risk for humans (Donham et al. 1989; Donham et al. 1995).
The high concentration of airborne particles in straw-based pig shelters
(Banhazi et a|.2000), poultry buildings and horse stables, and the
negative effects of these pollutants on animal health, welfare and
productivity are a concern for livestock managers. The potentially
harmful effects of airborne particles on human health are also well
documented (Cargtll et al. 1998; Donham et al. 1986). It has been
demonstrated in previous studies, that dust levels can be reduced in
deep bedded systems by impregnating the bedding material with canola oil
(Banhazi et al. 1999a), however finding the optimal inclusion rate under
controlled conditions, has not been studied. The effects of different
percentage of canola oil used for impregnating different bedding
materials on the concentration of airborne particles inside specially
designed "shakerboxes" can be studied.
The original shaker box design consisted of a sealed plastic box with a
volume of 0.94mr. fixed on top of a layered sieve shaker machine. The
lid of the plastic box had two slits cut into it, which enabled dust
filter heads to be inserted into the box together with a supporting
structure (metal rods) holding the filter heads in place. This setup
enabled the researchers to use traditional gravimetric measurements
inside the shaker box, without the filter heads being effected by the
shaking movement. Different bedding materials could be evaluated during
subsequent the trials. Sample will be dried in an 80 degree oven for 2
days prior to the oil inclusion rate of 0, 3, 6 or 9% (wlw) and the
measurements will be repeated six times for each material and each
inclusion rates. Inhalable and respirable particle concentrations will
be recorded for 6 hours inside the plastic box containing the bedding
material according to previously published method. The aim of the
current project will be to design and fabricate an experimental facility
that will enable producers to routine test and assess the amount of oil
need to be included in the sprav mix.
The aim of the current project will be to design and fabricate an experimental facility that will enable producers to routine test and assess the amount of oil need to be included in the spray mix. Specifically the study will aim to:
The proposed project will be undertaken by following the general steps listed below:
