March 30, 2010, Ames, IA –
Efficient fans are essential for proper ventilation of livestock production
facilities.
March 30, 2010, Ames, IA –
Efficient fans are essential for proper ventilation of livestock production
facilities.
A new publication from
Iowa State University Extension explains the factors farmers should consider when
selecting or upgrading fans for hog buildings.
“Energy Efficient Fans for
Swine Production” (PM 2089E) is available to download from the Extension Online
Store.
Inefficient fans can add
to a farmer’s cost of production, said ISU Extension program coordinator Dana
Petersen. The most obvious cost is wasted energy that is expended while using
an inefficient fan. Other costs can arise from poor air quality because of
under-ventilation or wasted heat due to over-ventilation. Fans that are
inefficient or mismanaged may allow air quality to diminish and therefore
stress animals. Stressed animals are more susceptible to disease and also have
less-than-optimal growth and feed conversion.
This publication is part
of a series of farm energy conservation and efficiency educational materials
being developed through the Farm Energy Conservation and Efficiency educational
initiative. The purpose is to increase farmers’ awareness of opportunities for
improving efficient use of farm energy. The initiative also will help farmers
explore alternatives to reduce farm energy demand and to improve their farms’
overall profitability in a rapidly changing energy environment.
For more information, go
to www.extension.iastate.edu/store. See especially the topic environment –
energy.
