Tag Archives: livestock housing

564-573 G. Rossi, L. Conti, K. Al-Fartosi and M. Barbari
Implementation of practical solutions to improve buffalo breeding development in rural areas of South Iraq
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Implementation of practical solutions to improve buffalo breeding development in rural areas of South Iraq

G. Rossi¹, L. Conti¹, K. Al-Fartosi² and M. Barbari¹*

¹University of Firenze, Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Systems (GESAAF), Via San Bonaventura 13, IT50145 Firenze, Italy
²Dhi-Qar University, College of Science, University Campus, IQ0096442 Nassiriyah, Iraq
*Correspondence: matteo.barbari@unifi.it

Abstract:

Buffalo breeding is widely spread in rural areas of southern Iraq, especially in marshlands. In the Provinces of Basrah, Dhi Qar and Maysan the buffalo represents the main source for survival of local people in marshlands. The paper shows the situation in these areas, remarking the main critical points for buffalo breeding development. A survey in 24 buffalo farms was carried out by the Department of University of Firenze to verify the situation of buffalo farming in southern Iraq (years 2014–2016). In particular the study shows problems related to the shortage of food for animals, to the lack of suitable structures and infrastructures, to the poor herd management by farmers. In the paper the main critical points, which compromise the success of the breeding, are pointed out, with particular reference to animal welfare, animal health and labour (care of animals and risks for workers). Solutions to mitigate the scarce results are indicated. In particular some practical interventions carried out during a project funded by Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development are presented and discussed. Such interventions refer mainly to the application of feeding racks, systems for a safe capture of the animals, plants and equipment for heat protection. As conclusion, also in difficult and poor areas like Iraqi marshes, a correct design and a right application of simple constructive and plant solutions, with little employment of technological resources, coupled with a good training of farmers, can give a contribution to solve problems in buffalo breeding.

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205–218 Ü. Kızıl, L. Genç2 and S. Aksu
Air quality mapping using an e-nose system in Northwestern Turkey
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Air quality mapping using an e-nose system in Northwestern Turkey

Ü. Kızıl¹*, L. Genç2 and S. Aksu¹

¹Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation, Terzioğlu Campus, TR17020 Çanakkale, Turkey
2Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Terzioğlu Campus, TR17020 Çanakkale, Turkey
*Correspondence: unal@comu.edu.tr

Abstract:

A gas sensor based electronic nose system is developed for monitoring air quality dispersion in and around livestock barns. The mobile system can be used in various applications under laboratory and field conditions. The system consists of 10 metal oxide Figaro gas sensors and a temperature/humidity sensor integrated with custom made circuits and data acquisition software. The sensors are sensitive to major odorous compounds. The e-nose system provides an easy, cost effective and user friendly tool for air quality monitoring. There is a relationship with sensor responses and gas concentrations are linear. Therefore, instead of calculating concentrations using statistical methods such as PCA and ANNs raw sensor data is used to monitor air quality. In order to monitor spatial distributions of sensor responses Kriging method is applied. Interpolation maps for each sensor response are developed. In order to visualize the areas where air quality problems occur, response of an air quality module is used as reference. Results showed the effectiveness of the developed system and method.

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239–248 L. Leso, W. Morshed, L. Conti and M. Barbari
Evaluating thermal performance of experimental building solutions designed for livestock housing: the effect of greenery systems
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Evaluating thermal performance of experimental building solutions designed for livestock housing: the effect of greenery systems

L. Leso, W. Morshed, L. Conti and M. Barbari*

University of Firenze, Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Systems, Via San Bonaventura, 13, IT50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: matteo.barbari@unifi.it

Abstract:

The thermal performance of a greenhouse-type building provided with a living plant canopy was evaluated in Northern Italy during summer. Four reduced scale buildings with different types of covering were tested. The first type was the reproduction of a gable roof covered with 40 mm-thick sandwich panels (SAND), a widespread solution for dairy barns in temperate climates, used as control. Two roofs were reproductions of a Venlo-type greenhouse covered with a 0.2 mm-thick transparent EVA film equipped with either a reflective shading screen with 70% shading level (TRA+SHA) or with a living plant canopy (TRA+PLA). The last type of roof consisted of the living plant canopy alone (PLA). Plant canopies were made up of climbing plants (Trachelospermum jasminoides) with an average LAI of 1.39 m2 m-2.
Data were analysed with mixed linear models for repeated measures. Fixed effects tested were roof type and the interaction of roof type and time of the day. Internal temperature in TRA+SHA (22.60 °C) was higher than PLA (21.28 °C; p > 0.001), SAND (21.53 °C; p = 0.026) and TRA+PLA (21.68 °C; p = 0.036), with no significant differences among the latter three. Differences were larger during the hottest hours of the day (from 09:00 till 17:00) while, during the night, internal temperature did not differ among types of roof.
Results indicate that greenhouse-type buildings with conventional shading systems may not be adequate for housing livestock in warm climates. However, the employment of greenery systems such as a plant canopy may effectively reduce internal temperature. Further research is deserved to develop suitable building solution for livestock farming.

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