Field survey on concentration and emission of dust in different types of poultry houses of South Korea

The dust generated from poultry houses has an adverse effect on farmers and poultry in terms of hygiene and welfare problems. However, there is little information on concentration and emission of dust derived from poultry houses located in South Korea. An objective of this study is to provide fundamental data regarding particulate matters generated from the poultry houses situated in South Korea. A total 27 poultry houses, including nine broiler houses, nine layer houses, and nine layer houses with feces conveyors were surveyed. Dust was measured by gravimetric methods. Emission of dust was calculated by multiplying the mean concentration (mg/m³) measured at the center of the poultry house by the ventilation rate (m³ h^-1). Mean indoor concentrations of total and respirable dust in poultry houses were 4.39 (SD: 2.38) mg/m³ and 2.33 (SD: 2.21) mg/m³, respectively. Mean emission rates based on area and rearing number were estimated as 3.04 (1.64) mg head^-1 h^-1 and 57.48 (24.66) mg m^-2 h^-1 for total dust and 2.34 (1.27) mg head^-1 h^-1 and 26.80 (10.81) mg m^-2 h^-1 for respirable dust, respectively. The distribution of total and respirable dust between indoor concentration and emission rate was a similar pattern, regardless of type of poultry house. Among types of poultry house, the broiler house showed the highest levels of indoor concentration and emission rate, followed by the layer house with feces conveyor belt, and the caged layer house. In terms of seasonal aspect, indoor concentrations of total and respirable dust were highest in winter and lowest in summer, and their emission rates were the opposite at all the poultry houses. In spring and autumn, both indoor concentration and emission rate were moderate, and there was no significant difference between spring and autumn. It was assumed that the levels of indoor concentration and emission rate of dust generated from poultry houses were determined mainly by use of bedding material and ventilation rate among various environmental agents.