Improving Air Quality in Broiler Rooms Using an Electrostatic Particle Ionization System

Highlights An EPI system reduced PM and bacteria in broiler houses by up to 50% and 48%, on average, respectively. The system had no significant effect on animal productivity. The performance of the system decreased towards the end of the rearing cycle. Abstract. Air quality in poultry operations is important for animal and human health. This study evaluated an electrostatic particle ionization (EPI) system for improving air quality in mechanically ventilated broiler rooms (11.7 m long, 6.4 m wide, and 2.9 m high), each with 800 birds. The study evaluated the impact of the EPI system on the levels of particulate matter (PM), ammonia (NH3), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as well as on animal performance. On average, the EPI system reduced PM fractions (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10, and PM15) by approximately 50%. Average reductions for total PM and bacteria were 40% and 48%, respectively. No significant reduction was observed for NH3, and no measurable H2S was detected during the entire study period. No significant effects on feed conversion ratio and animal mortality were observed. Reductions in PM and total culturable bacteria decreased over time, which could possibly be due to increased contaminant concentration, ventilation rate, and accumulated dust on collection surfaces towards the end of the rearing cycle. Further assessments are required to determine if additional EPI units or collection surfaces could improve the efficiency of the system. Overall, the system reduced airborne PM and bacteria and improved the air quality in broiler houses. Keywords: Animal performance, Air quality, Bacteria, Broiler houses, Electrostatic particle ionization, Particulate matter.