Workshops emphasize principles of ventilation along with winter and summer ventilation strategies. Current Research Program Facility Designs and Management Practices for Dairy-Beef and Veal Funded by The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. In cooperation with Departments of Dairy and Animal Science and Veterinary Science. Both mechanical and natural ventilation systems are being evaluated in regards to air quality effects on calf health and growth performance. During the project's first year, intensive characterization of the total environment of six farms over at least two production cycles is being performed.
Air quality is correlated with air exchange rates and air distribution methods.
Quantification of environmental characteristics with calf stress parameters will lead to recommendations to improve calf comfort.