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12 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, January 21.1987 Section Two Agri-News VENTILATION By: Jim Walker, Pork Advisor A good, properly functioning ventilation system is of utmosl importance to pork producers. Whether you are using new facilities or an older style barn, a system should be designed to serve the following functions: 1) In the winter, it myst remove excess humidity in the form of water vapour, and also gases produced by the livestock. It must provide adequate fresh air, and distribute it evenly without causing drafts at pig level. 2) In the summer, the ventilation system must remove excess heat from the barn. The major components of a ventilation system include air exhausts, air inlets, heaters and controls. Generally, when we consider air exhausts, we speak of exhaust fans although it may also refer to roof vents, windows, etc. when designing a ventilation system, location of exhaust fans may not be important, depending on the type of barn you are trying to ventilate. In a relatively air-tight barn, using a cross flow ventilation system, fan location is not very critical, while in an old "loose" bank barn, exhaust fan placement may become critical to maintaining an optimum enviornment. In most barns, the type, and location of air inlets is of utmost importance to maintaining a warm, dry and draft-free environment for the pigs. The use of centre air inlets, side air inlets, air bags or ducts must all be considered with reference to how they will create air flow patterns within the barn. In such areas as farrowing rooms and nursery/ weaner rooms, heaters become an integral part of ventilation system. Because the pig density, or rather the pounds of pig density is relatively low, and temperature require ments are relatively high, additional heat becomes necessary. In planning the ventilation system, care must be taken to size the heaters properly, too large of heaters will cause cycling and rapid temperature fluctuations, while too small heaters will not be adequate to maintain the temperatures at continuous ventilation rates. The most common type of controls on ventilation systems is the thermostats, for turning fans on and off. Their function is to sense changes in the barn environment and turn fans on or off in response. To work efficiently, thermostats should be treated to regular cleaning and maintenance. Thermostats with the sensing coils all coated with dust, cobwebs and whitewash will not be accurate. Caliburation of thermostats is often out from the time they are new. Many can be recalibrated with a good thermometer and a screw driver, and should be checked on a routine basis. When you are trying to improve on the ventilation system in your barn, or designing a new system, both the local Pork Advisor and the County Engineer are available to assist you. DURHAM CATTLEMEN'S FEEDLOT COMPETITION RESULTS By: Joel Bagg, Farm Management Specialist The results of the Durham County Cattlemen's Association Feedlot Competition were announced recently and cattle of Durham County origin out-performed the western cattle. The H. & M. Wright Feed Co. Trophy and a $100.00 cash prize awarded by Bob Holiday Trucking for top overall steer was won by Ralph Greenwood, R.R. No. 1, Kendal. This charolais-cross steer had an A1 grade, 720 lb. carcass with an average daily gain of 3.3 lbs. per day. Runner up was Lawrence Avery, R. R. No. 5, Bowmanville with an Angus steer. Bruce Yeo, R. R. No. 1, Orono had a Hereford steer with the highest average daily gain of 4.44 lbs. per day. Ross Ashton, R. R. No. 1, Bowmanville and Ceresmorc Farm, R. R. No. 4, Bow- manville, were runners up, with average daily gains of 3.98 and 3.81 lbs. respectively. Top carcass award went to Jim Byers, R. R. No. 2, Blackstock with a Limousin cross steer. Runners up in this category were Ralph Greenwood, R. R. No. 1, Kendal and Drywood Farm, R. R. No. 1, Enniskillen. Approximately 40 steers were entered in the competition and were started on feed in June at the farm of Harvey Graham, R.lt. No. 1, Blackstock. The steers were on feed for, from 50 to 112 days of age and then sold on a carcass rail grade basis. In addition In the quality grade, carcass information, such as rib eye area, fat cover, marbling score and estimated cutnbility, was obtained. The competition provided an Ideal onnorlimlty to evaluate how various types of cuttle perform In the feedlot. The Great Kitchen Sale! HURRY! LIMITED TIME OFFER! MKS Kitchens are now on promotion. But you've got to hurry. This offer expires soon. Come in and see our selection. Choose from 22 styles and finishes. And custom accessories too. 21 in all. A great kitchen doesn't have to be expensive. Available now at our authorized dealer. DURHAM BUILDING SUPPLIES Home improvement building centre 164 Base Line Rd.E. 623-6341 Highway No. 2 ^ Ml k\ £ Baso Lino Rd. W. 31 Durham Building ED Highway 401 | Bowmanville i