A recent study published in the Journal of Dairy Science took a deep dive into air quality inside a commercial dairy barn and milking parlor, shedding light on how daily farm activities impact the air animals and people breathe. Using real-time air quality sensors, researchers monitored air pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), ammonia (NH₃), particulate matter (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and temperature-humidity index (THI) over a four-month period.
Here’s what they found:
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Pollutant levels vary by location and time of day. The barn (tunnel-ventilated barn, or TVB) and milking parlor (MKP) showed different air quality patterns. For example, CO₂ and VOC levels were higher in the barn, while methane and PM2.5 were higher in the milking parlor.
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Ammonia was only detected in the barn, sometimes reaching high levels. No ammonia was found in the milking parlor.
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Pollutant spikes were tied to daily activities like feeding, cleaning, and milking, suggesting that management practices have a big influence on air quality.
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Poor air quality impacts both cow and human health. Exposure to pollutants like ammonia and fine particulate matter can cause respiratory problems, stress, and even lower milk production in cows. For humans, the risks include eye and lung irritation, and long-term exposure could lead to chronic health issues.
The study emphasizes the importance of installing real-time air monitoring systems on dairy farms to better understand and manage air quality. While such systems are not yet common due to cost and design challenges, this research shows they could play a key role in improving animal welfare, worker safety, and overall farm productivity.
Why it matters:
With growing concerns around sustainability and animal welfare, this research offers valuable insight into how to make dairy environments healthier and more efficient. It also supports the case for future air quality standards in the dairy sector.
