Veterinary Archives, Vol. 87 No. 5, 2017.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.24099/vet.arhiv.160513
The seasonal influence on airborne dust and endotoxin concentrations in a laying hen house
Kristina Matković
orcid.org/0000-0003-3091-4981
; Department of Animal Hygiene, Behaviour and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ljerka Prester
; Institute of Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Tatjana Orct
; Institute of Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Jelena Macan
; Institute of Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Veda M. Varnai
; Institute of Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Danijel Marušić
; The County Prefect Office, Slavonski Brod, Croatia
Mario Ostović
; Department of Animal Hygiene, Behaviour and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Željko Pavičić
; Department of Animal Hygiene, Behaviour and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Marija Vučemilo
; Jakova Gotovca 13, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
In the present study, air quality in a cage-housed laying hen house was investigated throughout the seasons by assessing dust and endotoxin concentrations. Measurements were done twice a month during the 1-year production cycle. The mean levels of dust and endotoxins ranged from 0.60 mg/m3 in May to 2.83 mg/m3 in November, and from 203.15 EU/m3 in August to 745.53 EU/m3 in April. Significantly higher concentrations of dust and endotoxins in the poultry house were determined in the autumn and winter seasons, and endotoxins in the spring season as well, compared to the summer (P<0.05 all). The results suggested that the cooler periods of the year pose a greater risk for the welfare and performance of laying hens, but also for the health of humans working in these settings in terms of the levels of airborne dust and endotoxins.
Keywords
air quality; dust; endotoxins; poultry; season
Hrčak ID:
186221
URI
Publication date:
6.9.2017.
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