Air exchange rate in a horse trailer during transport

J. L. Purswell, R. S. Gates, L. M. Lawrence, T. S. Stombaugh, R. J. Coleman, W. C. Adams

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ventilation of horse transport vehicles typically relies on vehicle motion to induce air exchange. To assess the adequacy of ventilation in horse transport, air exchange rate was measured in ten locations within a 4-horse trailer, with and without animals present, using tracer gas decay measurements. Three vehicle speeds (13, 48, and 97 km·hr-1) and three window configurations (all windows and roof vents closed, only side windows open, all windows and vents open) were tested. Air exchange rate increased with vehicle speed, and exchange rate at all points within the trailer for the closed configuration was consistently lower than the other two window configurations. The average air exchange rate over all vehicle speeds and ventilation configurations was 0.49 min-1 with animals present and 0.60 min -1 without. The maximum mean exchange rate was 1.42 min-1 at 97 km·hr-1 at the rear left window with all windows and vents open and no animals present; the lowest exchange rate (at the lower position of the rearmost stall divider) was 0.12 min-1 at 13 km·hr-1 with all windows and vents closed. The maximum air exchange rate observed with animals present was 0.84 min-1 with all windows and vents open, and traveling at 97 km·hr-1. Ventilation in the trailer was not adequate when compared to recommendations for stabled horses for any combination of vehicle speed or ventilation configuration.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLivestock Environment VII - Proceedings of the Seventh International Symposium
EditorsM.J. Briggs, M.E. McCormick
Pages13-20
Number of pages8
StatePublished - 2005
EventLivestock Environment VII - 7th International Symposium - Baltimore, MD, United States
Duration: Oct 20 2004Oct 22 2004

Publication series

NameLivestock Environment VII - Proceedings of the Seventh International Symposium

Conference

ConferenceLivestock Environment VII - 7th International Symposium
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore, MD
Period10/20/0410/22/04

Keywords

  • Animal transport
  • Tracer gas
  • Ventilation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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