Joseph M. Zulovich

Characteristics of Low-Profile Cross-Ventilated Freestalls

The ventilation characteristics in a low-profile cross-ventilated freestall building were monitor in May and August 2006. Three different ventilation rates were evaluated in an 800 cow facility located in North Dakota. The high, medium and low ventilation rates selected were based on exchanging the air inside the building every 60, 120 and 240 seconds, respectively. The particle concentrations from the three samplers were 78.2 µg/m3 near the east end, 74.8 µg/m3 in the center and 94.8 µg/m3 near the west end. Hydrogen sulfide measurements were 14, 8 and 7 ppb at the low, medium and high ventilation rates respectively. Gases emitted from the LPCV were predominately nitrogen-based gases (NH3, NO2, NO) during the spring and summer testing periods. Ammonia concentrations and emission rates were higher during the springtime at the lowest ventilation rate. No statistical differences were found between NH3 concentration and emission rates at the high ventilation rate during springtime, low ventilation rate during the summer, and high ventilation rate during the summer. No statistical differences in NH3 concentrations were observed during the medium ventilation rates of both seasons. Average concentrations of NH3 observed were 1219 +/-5 ppb during the spring and 1117 +/- 4 ppb during summer. The NH3 emissions rate at the low ventilation rate was 856 mg/h/500-kg live weight during the spring and 678 mg/h/500-kg live weight during the summer. The indoor and outdoor temperature and indoor relative humidity were found to be significant factors contributing to the prediction of the maximum NH3 concentration within the LPCV dairy barn during the spring.

Heat Stress on a Commercial Dairy Farm Startup: An Economic Evaluation of Cooling

Heat stress causes significant production and economic losses on commercial dairy farms. Previously reported studies have focused on the costs of milk production losses and cooling system investments. Heat stress results in production losses other than milk production, including increased risk of mastitis, decreased conception rate, and increased death loss. In addition to these animal performance losses, variable costs of veterinarian costs, mastitis treatment, breeding costs, lower milk quality premiums, and labor can also be affected. Using a dairy simulation model, a base farm representing a new 700-cow commercial dairy farm startup in Missouri was evaluated to predict a more complete impact of heat stress on farm profitability. The model included seasonal production changes identified using production summary data from typical Missouri herds. In addition, increased variable costs were also included. Costs of equipment and power were incorporated in the model for cooling cows during periods of heat stress. A more complete data set of potential benefits of cooling cows under thermal stress is presented and shows the greater economic benefit of cooling lactating dairy cows during periods of thermal challenge.