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Air Filtration for Swine Industry
Air Filtration for Swine/Pig/Hog Farming
In addition to temperature and humidity control, air quality stands as one of the paramount elements in sustaining a healthy and comfortable environment for animals, exerting a profound influence on production outcomes.
The air quality within the area where the pigs are housed plays a crucial role. The foremost priorities in swine facilities are the well-being and comfort of the animals since they spend their entire day in this environment, with workers attending to their needs and periodically inspecting the area.
Main Pollutants:
Poor air quality can lead to respiratory issues, stress, and higher disease susceptibility, ultimately jeopardizing animal welfare.
Ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, total and respirable dust, airborne pathogens, and airborne microorganisms, are the main contaminants in swine barns.
Common Swine Diseases:
1. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS):
PRRS is caused by a virus and is characterized by respiratory issues in pigs and reproductive problems in breeding females. The virus is primarily transmitted through aerosolized droplets.
2. African Swine Fever (ASF):
A highly contagious and often fatal viral disease in pigs. It can spread through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated feed, or even ticks.
3. Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD):
A highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including pigs. It spreads through direct contact, contaminated objects, and even the wind.
4. Swine Influenza (IAv):
Similar to human influenza, swine influenza is caused by influenza A viruses and can lead to respiratory illness in pigs. It can spread through close contact between pigs.
Impact of Swine Diseases:
PRRS primarily affects reproductive and respiratory health in pigs, resulting in reproductive issues, including abortions, stillbirt
Additionally, the virus causes significant respiratory problems, such as pneumonia and labored breathing, leading to poor growth rates and increased mortality, especially in younger pigs.
PRRS not only results in substantial economic losses for swine producers due to reduced production efficiency, increased mortality, and treatment costs but also poses a considerable challenge to farm biosecurity.
The disease’s contagious nature requires strict biosecurity measures to prevent its spread, including trade restrictions on affected farms. As a result, the swine industry invests significantly in disease prevention and management to mitigate PRRS’s devastating impact on swine health and production.
Air Filtration Reduces Swine Diseases
Air filtration plays a crucial role in reducing the transmission of swine diseases by improving the overall air quality within swine housing facilities.
Air filtration helps mitigate the risk of swine diseases:
1. Contaminant Removal:
Air filters are effective at capturing and removing airborne contaminants such as dust, pathogens, allergens, and particulate matter. These contaminants can carry disease-causing agents, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. By filtering the air, these contaminants are trapped, reducing the concentration of potential pathogens in the pig barns or farms.
2. Virus Control:
Swine diseases like Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and Swine Influenza can be transmitted through the air as aerosolized droplets.
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and other effective air filtration systems can capture and retain these airborne viruses, preventing them from circulating and infecting other pigs within the facility.
3. Reduced Cross-Contamination:
Air filtration helps maintain a barrier between different sections or rooms within a hog farm. This is crucial in preventing cross-contamination between healthy and sick animals.
Airborne pathogens are less likely to spread from one area to another when filtered air is used to create pressure differentials, maintaining a controlled and isolated environment.
4. Improved Respiratory Health:
Dust and allergens in the air can irritate the respiratory systems of pigs, making them more susceptible to diseases.
Air filtration reduces the levels of these irritants, promoting better respiratory health in swine and reducing the likelihood of disease development in the swine facility.
By improving air quality, reducing airborne pathogens, and enhancing biosecurity, air filtration systems contribute to the overall health and well-being of swine populations, reducing the risk of disease outbreaks and improving the sustainability of swine farming operations.
Air filtration Protects Swine Well-being
According to a study, implementing air filtration alongside effective sanitation of transportation vehicles, and meticulous management of incoming contaminants could offer barns a robust biosecurity measure against PRRSV.
Another research on the subject of air filtration to prevent porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection shows major reductions in PRRSV cases in swine barns or farms where HEPA air filters were applied.
No cases were recorded in 95% of farms where they were used, which indicates that installing HEPA filters resulted in an almost complete elimination of PRRSV cases.
Clean-Link Offers Quality Filter Solutions for the Swine Industry
Ceiling Filter Media
· G3, G4; MERV5, MERV6
· Synthetic fibers
· Easy to replace
· Fluffy and bouncy structure allows stable airflow rate
· Longer filter life span to reduce maintenance cost
Pre-Filter Media
· G2, G3, G4; MERV5, MERV6, MERV7, MERV8
· 100% synthetic fibers
· Efficient, cost-saving, exceptional filter medium
· Blocking larger particulate
· Protecting the higher efficiency filters downstream
Air Inlet Filter Medium
· G3, G4; MERV5, MERV6
· Pre-filter media
· High dust-holding capacity
· Multi-layer structure improves filter function
· Longer filter service life than other types of media
· Easy to install
Laminated Filter Media
· G3, G4, M5, M6, F7, F8, F9
· Reinforced PET fibers
· Filter media for coarse stage or pre-filters
· High dust-holding capacity
· Surface reinforced structure
· Excellent particle capture performance
V-Bank Filters
· M6, F7, F8, F9, H10-H14
· Synthetic fiber medium
· Sturdy structure and rigid frame
· Low weight and easy to handle
· Extended large filter area for better performance
Activated Carbon Filters
· G3, G4
· Activated carbon fiber and filter media
· Removes odors and block larger particles
· Cost-effective
· Withstanding up to 80°C
HEPA Mini-Pleat Filters
· H13, H14, U15, U16
· Complete and reliable seal prevents air bypass
· Pleat filter media design offers excellent performance
· Cost-effective
· Easy handling and assembly
Pocket Filters
· M5, M6, F7, F8, F9
· Glass fibers
· Lightweight with a robust frame
· Extra filtration area
· Higher particulate capture rate
· Customizable multiple-bag design
Air Filtration on Swine Facilities
Ventilation System Types:
1. Negative pressure ventilation system:
Designed to maintain a controlled indoor environment by creating a slight vacuum within the building, this system works by expelling air from the barn at a faster rate than it enters, resulting in a negative pressure differential relative to the outside environment.
2. Positive pressure ventilation system:
Unlike negative pressure systems that create a vacuum within the barn, positive pressure systems work by forcing filtered air into the facility.
3. Natural ventilation system:
Natural ventilation is often used in older or smaller barns and can be cost-effective. However, it may not provide precise control over temperature and air quality.
How to Choose Air Filters for Your Barn:
1. The selection of air filtration solution depends largely on the level of air quality required and the geographical location of the piggery.
2. Generally positive pressure ventilation and filtration is the preferred solution for boar stubs, SPF farms, and main breeding farms. Filtration strategies can be modified in combination to match different barns.
3. For areas and breeds that are sensitive to heat, it is recommended that a negative pressure ventilation system be used to ensure good ventilation and low energy consumption to meet the actual production needs.
4. Negative-pressure ventilation provides efficient cooling performance and economical energy consumption, which is favored by a large number of barn owners.
More things to consider:
1. Air filters need to be installed in a dry condition at all times, and it’s crucial to keep them from moisture, including rain and environmental exposure.
2. The filter grids or frames that secure the filters must be adequately sealed between the structure to prevent any air bypass or leakage.
3. Ensure a strong and consistent seal between the primary and secondary filters to extend the lifespan of the secondary filter.
Still not sure about choosing the right air filtration system for your swine facilities? Contact Clean-Link’s expert team for the answer. We’re here to help you with any concerns regarding air filters.
