The ventilation of the pigsty allows you to maintain a normal microclimate in the room, thereby increasing the productivity of pigs. Normal air exchange can be created using stationary devices, which are sold in specialized stores, or made independently. But this takes into account certain requirements.
Why in the pigsty ventilation?
A comfortable microclimate in the pigsty is based on 3 main factors - temperature, humidity, the presence of fresh oxygen. The ventilation system is aimed at providing a normal level of these indicators in the room. In simple words, the constant air circulation performs the following functions:
- removes carbon dioxide and ammonia from the pigsty, which is released after bowel movements;
- saturates the room with oxygen;
- normalizes humidity level (increased dampness is excluded);
- prevents the formation of drafts;
- prevents the development of pathogenic microorganisms, mold, fungi, etc.
This leads to such favorable factors:
- animal growth accelerates;
- fertility increases;
- mass increases;
- tastes of meat are improved;
- energy is saved (if you install ventilation with additional functions);
- pig immunity is strengthened;
- infection is prevented.
In the cold season, you need to carefully monitor the speed of the air flow, since when the standards are overestimated, the livestock may die. The maximum rate is 22-25 meters per second. Measurements are taken at a height of half a meter from the floor of the pigsty.
Ventilation options
The ventilation system can be artificial and natural. Each of them has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
Natural
Natural air circulation means openings in the wall or ceiling. Accordingly, in the form of windows and windows. It is customary to create these elements at the construction stage of the pigsty, therefore they are introduced into the scheme during planning.
If the farmer thought about the penetration of a fresh stream of air after the construction of the building, then you have to make holes in the chosen place. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the material from which the room is built, the location of formwork, rafters, etc. But in this case, the most advantageous option is to install the window directly in the wooden door. To do this, just make a hole, install a mini-door and a latch.
In many cases, such actions are not enough, since the room must have 2 exits - one for air intake, the other for the removal of ammonia gases. If there are many individuals in the pigsty, then there should be more than 2 holes.
In addition to conventional windows, you can install structures made of metal or plastic pipes that are mounted in the ceiling. Air penetrates naturally due to wind power. Therefore, the system has a significant drawback - in calm weather there is no air circulation.
Artificial
An artificial product is the work of human hands. In this case, fresh oxygen enters the pigsty through special devices that operate from the mains. In a word, air circulation is forced.
Based on this, it can be concluded that no weather conditions, the presence of wind and climate do not affect the ventilation functionality. In addition, modern appliances are available with additional devices - for heating the room, controlling the level of humidity, air purification, etc.
Artificial ventilation design involves the consumption of electricity when using it. While natural air circulation costs consumers absolutely free. But the level of air exchange in the second case is much lower.
Types of ventilation systems and their device
Roof (shaft)
This variety is considered cost-effective and very effective. Independent manufacturing does not require large financial investments and special experience in this field. The principle is based on the application of different temperatures in one "room". On the basis of the law of physics, warm air coming out of the room rises to the ceiling, after which it moves to the ventilation shaft (made from a pipe) and goes outside. For airflow, holes are used from the side.
How does air circulate? This design requires wind. Otherwise, oxygen does not penetrate, and carbon dioxide is discharged quite slowly.
Transverse
Transverse ventilation refers to its natural appearance, since the rate of air circulation depends on the intensity of the wind. Quite a budget option that does not require extra expenses. To ensure that the pigsty is constantly ventilated, fans can be used.
The system is based on openings in the walls, which are installed in 2 rows. On the one hand, valves are installed through which oxygen enters. On the other hand, stationary fans are installed that are configured to force the removal of air masses into the street.
The method is used for large pigsties. In fans, it is necessary to set the air flow rate, which should be minimal. Feature - the holes should be located as symmetrical as possible with respect to each other.
Longitudinal
The longitudinal type system is completely identical to the previous version, but with the difference that the valves and openings (if necessary with fans) are mounted at the ends of the building. This is what makes it possible to ventilate absolutely all corners of the room. Also ideal for large farms with a large population.
Tunnel
Such ventilation is able to cover a fairly large space, air circulates actively. The main feature is the use of blinds on ventilation ducts. They are mounted in the end part of the structure, symmetrically to the holes with fans, that is, opposite them. Thanks to this, air movement is created, as in a tunnel, from where the name came from.
The main advantage is the ability to control the flow rate of the air mass. Namely, if the blinds are fully open, then the air quickly moves through space, if you close them, the circulation slows down significantly. For the system, powerful industrial type fans are used (respectively in huge pigsties). Along with the power of the blades, air flow also affects ventilation, therefore, in windy weather, the mechanism can be turned off or its speed reduced.
Modern models have an automation function, so when the wind increases, the speed decreases. This reduces energy consumption and prevents drafts.
Diffuse
This variety resembles a roof type, but with the difference that windows with sashes are installed on the sides of the walls. To create a diffuse system, it is necessary to make holes for the flow of air masses into the room. There should be three of them:
- the first is located on the roof (if it is 2-pitched, then in the center of the ridge);
- the second is in the wall on one side;
- the third is in the wall on the opposite side.
The installed valves on the air vents are adjustable (if they are raised, a larger air flow enters the room). In addition, fans can be mounted that circulate air in calm weather.
How to make the ventilation of the pigsty with your own hands?
In order for the ventilation design to meet all standards, it is necessary to observe the special requirements for the ventilation of the pigsty:
- in summer, the room should be ventilated several times more often than in winter, due to hot weather);
- air flow in summer is 0.2 meters per second;
- air flow in winter should have a speed of 0.1 m / s .;
- flows should not be directed towards animals.
What tools and materials will be needed?
Each type of ventilation requires specific tools and materials. We will consider a diffuse-roof forced-ventilation system. What you need to prepare:
- two identical fans with different operating modes;
- plastic / metal pipe with a diameter of 10-20 cm;
- two grilles for exhaust outputs;
- control boards;
- air divider;
- fasteners - staples, screws, bolts, etc .;
- deflector;
- measuring device;
- a drill, preferably an electric one;
- a hammer;
- hacksaw.
Manufacture
Step by step instructions for the ventilation device:
- First you need to make holes for the windows. They should be located near the roof.
- We install fans on them, according to the instructions.
- On the street side, grilles are mounted, and air dividers are installed inside. It is necessary that the air flow is distributed evenly throughout the pigsty.
- Install shields, thanks to which you can stop the air flow in strong winds.
- In the roof, make a hole corresponding to the diameter of the pipe.
- Insert the pipe and secure with fasteners.
- Mount a deflector that is aimed at increasing traction.
- Attach a protective “umbrella” to the pipe, thanks to which dirt, foliage and wet rain will not penetrate the system.
- Apply foam to all cracks for sealing.
- If ventilation is installed before the winter season, the pipes must be insulated. For this, a variety of materials and improvised materials are used (mineral wool, polystyrene foam, blankets, fur coats, rags).
Automation Tools
In order not to visit the pigsty often to measure the temperature and humidity, as well as other indicators, the ventilation structure can be automated. For this, special automation devices are needed. It could be the following:
- temperature sensor;
- humidity controller;
- fan speed regulator on the fan;
- management station (collects testimonies and monitors them);
- servos (automatically open, close valves on the ventilation shaft, and also regulate them).
8 expert recommendations
In order to avoid errors during the installation of ventilation equipment, it is necessary to follow the basic rules and requirements for the construction of a particular system. It will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with the recommendations of those who have already manufactured such designs.
Pay attention to the following aspects:
- The pipe located on the roof should be 120-160 cm above the roof level.
- Fix the pipe preferably with special brackets.
- With natural airflow, the holes in the wall are mounted at a height of half a meter from the floor covering on one side and at a distance of 50 cm from the ceiling part on the other wall. This will avoid the formation of drafts.
- It is advisable to use the ventilation duct with a round cross-section, since the square cross-section does not give a high level of air exchange. Therefore, pipes are used.
- The hole for fresh air must comply with the standards: 1 cubic meter of flow requires 2 holes of 2 cm.
- The larger the pigsty, the more powerful the fans should be.
- Be sure to take into account the volume of the system. There are guidelines that are acceptable for installing a fan in a pigsty. The range is from 57 to 80 decibels. If the indicators are not correct, then the installation was carried out incorrectly. To avoid this, a tarp is inserted into the ventilation ducts when installed.
- After installation, be sure to test. To do this, close the doors, windows, windows in the pigsty and let smoke out. The result is determined by the weathering rate.
Whatever ventilation system you choose, always follow the instructions for use of the fans. Before performing work, consult with specialists, and if you are not sure of your capabilities, it is better to hire professionals. Remember that the success of farming and animal health depend on the design created.
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