Comparison between low-end discrete and high-end continuous measurements of air quality in swine buildings

Temperature and gas (ammonia, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide) concentrations were measured with portable instrumentation and compared with measurements taken by a continuous system with automated benchtop gas analyzers in four tunnel-ventilated commercial swine finishing buildings. Measurements of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide concentrations did not differ significantly with respect to equipment used. However, carbon dioxide concentrations were different, and on average the portable instrument measurements were 40% lower during summer and 29% lower during winter. These discrepancies suggest that carbon dioxide spatial variation may be significant. Conscientiously operated portable instrumentation can be used to effectively characterize air quality parameters within the animal environment.