Air quality monitoring in piggeries through an IoT gas and environmental sensors device

Air quality in piggeries is linked with ammonia (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentrations. These gases have negative effects on pigs health and on environment. The air quality depends on several aspects, among which frequency of slurry removal and floor type. In this study, two naturally ventilated piggeries characterized by different housing structures and slurry management systems, were monitored: fully slatted floor with vacuum system for frequent slurry removal (Barn F), solid concrete floor in the indoor and outdoor area of the pen (Barn S). The piggeries were monitored for 21 days by installing an IoT gas and environmental sensors device equipped with sensors to continuously detect NH3, CO2, H2S and PM concentration, but also temperature and humidity. The continuous monitoring of air quality can support the farmer to better control the animal welfare and health, which is in line with precision livestock farming (PLF) principles. Specifically, manure removal from the outdoor lane of Barn S enhanced the emission of H2S up to 1.9 ppm, while the valve vacuum opening in Barn F increased the NH3 concentration of 63%. Furthermore, the automated window management system of Barn F, resulted in the accumulation of gases during the night in barn (CO2 and NH3 increasing up to 52% and 34% than daily average value, respectively) showing how the Barn S with access to an outdoor lane did not exhibit a similar increase. During the feeding distribution events PM increased by in the barn with slatted floor up to 32% than daily average value.