Evaluation of controller area network data collection system in confined animal feeding operations

Livestock and poultry industries play an important role in the food supply and economy of US agriculturalists. Current and historical trends show that the number of animals housed in individual facilities continues to grow on a yearly basis. While design improvements have enabled structures to physically house the growing number of livestock, a new problem exists in maintaining a safe indoor environment due to the increases in animal waste production. The Environmental Protection Agency is also beginning to enforce regulations to limit the daily emission rate of specific gases and odors associated with animal production. Research is needed to identify enhanced methodologies to monitor indoor environment and air quality of animal production facilities. This project developed and evaluated a novel method of environment monitoring for single and multi-building production facilities. Controller Area Network (CAN Bus) nodes were developed and evaluated in their ability to transmit sensor data over the long transmission distances common to livestock facilities. As expected, the effective transmission distance was directly correlated to the data bus rate. It was found that bus rates of 50 kbits/sec or less can accurately deliver CAN messages up to 600 meters on a continuous basis. As data bus rates reach 250 kbits/sec, the maximum transmission distance is reduced to under 300 meters.