Linear Models for the Prediction of Animal Zone Ammonia in a Weaned Piglet Building

Abstract

Measuring ammonia inside livestock buildings poses many challenges that hinder the incorporation of this variable into environmental control systems. The aim of this study was to measure various microclimate variables inside a weaned piglet building and analyse their interactions with NH3 concentrations for setpoint temperatures of 26 and 25 °C, in order to control NH3 concentrations based on other easily measurable variables. The experimental test was conducted on a conventional farm in Northwest Spain. NH3 concentrations in the animal zone were best correlated with CO2 concentrations in the animal zone (R = 0.91 and R = 0.55) and velocity of air extracted through the fan (R = 0.72 and R = 0.65) for setpoint temperatures of 26 and 25 °C, respectively. Similarly, strong correlations were found with relative humidity in the animal zone and temperature of inlet air. Because NH3 concentration in the animal zone is related to the performance of the ventilation system, strong positive correlations were found between NH3 concentration and temperature of inlet air whereas negative correlations were found between NH3 concentration and ventilation rates. Linear regression models based on CO2 concentrations in the animal zone and temperature of inlet air are recommended, because they provide a good fit for both setpoint temperatures using variables that can be readily measured.

Characteristics of PM2.5 and Its Correlation with Feed, Manure and NH3 in a Pig-Fattening House

“…The significant correlation between the concentration of NH 3 and CO 2 was similar to those reported in previous studies [ 48 , 49 ]. This correlation may stem from a series of chemical reactions.…”

Starch/Polyaniline Biopolymer Film as Potential Intelligent Food Packaging with Colourimetric Ammonia Sensor

“…An F-test was carried out to indicate the significance of the regression, where a small p -value (<0.05) would determine that the regression does not happen by coincidence [ 70 ]. The regressions at different PANI concentrations show p -values which are smaller than 0.01; thus, these regressions are significant.…”