Project Overview
Commodities
- Animals: bovine
- Animal Products: dairy
Practices
- Animal Production: animal protection and health, housing, manure management
- Education and Training: on-farm/ranch research, workshop
- Sustainable Communities: infrastructure analysis
Proposal abstract:
The development of the US dairy industry has shifted towards highly specialized barn-based farming practices demanding meticulous consideration of optimal air quality as animals, humans, and machinery converge in enclosed spaces. Our project addresses the pressing concern for enhancing environmental conditions in milking parlors and barns and reducing exposure to air pollutants. We aim to reveal air component fluctuations in confined spaces and explore the relationships between air component dynamics and distinct farm operations. To achieve this aim, we will strategically install automated air monitoring sensors in commercial dairy farms. Our previous analyses indicate higher volumes of particulate matter 2.5 and carbon dioxide in the milking parlor (11.3 µg/m³; 540.2 ppm, respectively) compared with cross-ventilated barns (3.9 µg/m³ and 519.3 ppm, respectively). In addition, we have identified that different farm activities such as feeding, cleaning, and changing bedding materials impact air component concentrations. These initial findings have heightened our interest in expanding our knowledge about other air pollutants in different dairy farming systems. Our goal is to gain deeper insights into the intricate dynamics of these air pollutants and to target management practices that can be intervened. Additionally, we aim to determine the optimal allocations of air quality sensors, ensuring accurate and representative measurements. Results communication to stakeholders will be a key component of our project, involving publications, workshops, and industry collaborations. In parallel, our comprehensive educational initiatives, including bilingual educational materials and scholarly outputs, aim to elevate awareness and expertise among dairy producers, workers, and industry professionals.
Project objectives from proposal:
Research objectives:
Objective 1: To determine the accuracy and precision of automated air quality monitoring systems and their appropriate localization in naturally and cross-ventilated cow housing barns and milking parlors.
Objective 2: To identify the dynamics of air components and group scale emissions in indoor dairy spaces associated with dairy farm operations.
Objective 3: To design and implement practical mitigation strategies for improving air quality in naturally and cross-ventilated cow housing barns and milking parlors.
Educational Objectives:
Objective 4: To assess the increase of awareness among dairy producers and workers about the impact of air quality on cow health and productivity.
Objective 5: To elevate the expertise of dairy industry professionals in implementing effective air quality management strategies and facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices among producers through direct engagement and communication of project findings.