VENTILATION

HORSE BARN AND STABLE DESIGN

COMPILATION BY: QOBIT

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CONTENT
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Ventilation Systems for Horse Barns Barn Ventilation Affects Horse Health Clearing the air: Reducing harmful stable odor is easy Stable Design Installation of mechanical ventilation in a horse stable: effects on air quality and human and equine airways. Horse Stables And Barns Design Installation of mechanical ventilation in a horse stable: effects on air quality and human and equine airways Windows & Ventilation Ventilate Your Horse Barn Why Ventilation Is Important For Animals Being Transported By Road Equestrian Facility Planning and Design Considerations

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Ventilation Systems for Horse Barns

Larry D. Jacobson, P.E., Professor and Extension Engineer Chuck Clanton, P.E., Professor Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota Introduction Ventilation or air exchange is needed in horse barns or buildings to control and remove moisture, prevent condensation on surfaces and maintain acceptable air quality by removing carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, dust, airborne pathogens and fumes during cold weather and to remove heat and hold down excessive high temperatures preventing heat stress in warm/hot conditions. This exchange of air or ventilation can be accomplished with a natural (non-mechanical) system that is driven by buoyancy (hot air rises) and wind forces or by a mechanical ventilation system that uses electrical exhaust fans along with planned designed inlet openings. Natural Systems The simplest natural system is an open front shed, pointing to the south. This allows the horse to get in out of the wind and/or rain and snow. This is very adequate for the horse as long as they are well fed and acclimated to the current weather conditions. An enclosed naturally ventilated barn must have sidewall vents or eve openings (inlet) and ridge or roof chimney openings (outlet). Conditions inside these enclosed facilities are typically at or slightly above outsides temperatures, year round, but are generally draft-free and when combined with dry bedding can provide a comfortable environment for mature and well fed horses. The advantage of natural systems is economics, but control of airflow and air distribution is not as good. These barns should have heated water lines and tanks to prevent them from freezing during cold conditions. Mechanical Systems A mechanically ventilated barn is design for three seasonal levels: cold, mild and hot. During cold weather, minimal ventilation is needed to remove moisture generated from respiration and evaporation of spilled drinking water and urine and feces. This cold weather rate is 25 cubic feet of air per minute (cfm) per 1000 lbs of horse or about 50 cfm/horse. This cold air exchange rate is best provided by a continuously running sidewall exhaust fan. During mild weather, a second fan that delivers an additional 100 cfm/ 1000 lbs (total of 125 cfm) with an indoor temperature controller (thermostat) set at about 50 F. During warm/hot temperatures a third exhaust fan sized at an additional 200 cfm/ 1000 lbs (total of 325 cfm) needs to be added to hold down excessive temperature rises in barn with a separate (or a single two stage) temperature controller set about 60 F. A mechanically ventilated barn needs designed inlets or someplace for air to enter the building. The inlets should be sized to provide 1 sq.ft of inlet area for every 600 cfm of fan capacity and they should be evenly spaced down the length of the barn to provide good air distribution. Supplemental Heat During winter conditions, indoor temperatures may drop below acceptable levels (water lines could freeze). For these situations, a small gas-fired or electric space heater is need to maintain the minimum desired temperature. The heater should be sized at roughly 4000 BTU/hr. (gas) or 1 kW (electric) per horse. It should be noted that these space heaters are the number one cause of fires so safety precaution need to be taken.

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Insulation All housing needs to be well constructed (as air tight as possible for mechanical systems) and have insulated walls and ceiling. The insulation will keep the building cooler in the summer and prevent moisture condensation as well as keeping the building warmer in winter. For open sided and enclosed naturally ventilated barns, roof insulation with an R-value of 2 to 4 is strongly suggested to prevent condensation from forming on the underside of the roof in winter plus reduced heat load in summer. For mechanically ventilated or "warm" barns, a minimum R-value in the mid-teens (15) is needed in the walls and mid-twenties (25) in the ceiling. A vapor barrier or retarder (sheet of plastic) needs to be place on the warm side of the insulation in both the walls and ceiling to keep moisture from moving through the interior surfaces into the cavity which could deteriorate the building material. Summer Management For mechanically ventilated barns in the summer it is best to keep the barn closed up and the exhaust fans and inlets operating to limit temperature rise inside the barn. Internal circulation fans can be used to increase airflow over horses but these do not exchange air in the building like the sidewall exhaust fans and should only be used to provide additional cooling. Under some special conditions, evaporative cooling systems have been installed in horse buildings. A common option is to operate the building with mechanical ventilation during the fall, winter, spring periods; but when outside temperatures are warmer, open up the building using natural ventilation (shutting off the exhaust fan(s)). Additional information The MidWest Plan Service (MWPS) sells a Horse Facilities Handbook (2005) for $43.00 plus S&H. Information can be found at http://www.mwps.org; clicking on Livestock, then horses or http://www.mwps.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=c_Products.viewProduct&catID=773&productID=6794&s kunumber=MWPS60&crow=1 Detailed information can be obtained in the Penn State publication Horse Stable Ventilation at http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/pdfs/ub039.pdf

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Barn Ventilation Affects Horse Health

By Amy DeGeer Oberdorf

Poor barn ventilation is among the leading causes of decreased performance, illness, and possibly death in today's horse population. It's also a commonly unaddressed issue for most horse owners. How does poor barn ventilation really hurt your horse's health? After all, it's common for horse barns to smell like ammonia. By discussing everything from pathogens to porches, Brad Cumper, DVM, and Lorri Hayward of Hayward Design will help you understand how your barn's polluted air can make your horse sick, and how to design your barn for proper horse barn ventilation-whether you're updating the old or building a brand new barn for your horse. "Poor barn ventilation can ultimately kill your horse," affirms Dr. Brad Cumper of Saginaw Valley Equine Clinic in Freeland, Michigan. Such a decree may sound excessive at first, but as Dr. Cumper explains, the long-term effects of poor ventilation create a wide variety of respiratory disorders, some of which are fatal under the right conditions. From the rancid smell of ammonia from degrading urine, to the build-up of dusts, molds and other pathogens from insufficient ventilation, your barn may be the reason for your horse's respiratory difficulty. Basic Physiology First, let's understand the basic physiology of a horse's respiratory defense system and how it becomes susceptible to disease. "The primary defense mechanism of the equine respiratory tract is the trapping ability of mucus," Dr. Cumper explains. "Mucus is then expelled by the cilia which line the airways of the lungs and trachea.

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Billions of microscopic hairs (cilia) fan or wave mucus out of the lungs, up the trachea, and expel the overflow of mucus which catches and contains the irritants and pathogens." This is seen as a nasal discharge (or snotty nose). The secondary defense mechanism is the immune system, composed of cells that consume infectious agents and other antigens, such as hay dust. This second arm of defense invokes an immune response-which protects the respiratory tract from infection. However, constant aggravation of the respiratory tract's immune system can cause it to overreact (such as occurs with a severe allergic reaction), which can cause loss of airway function and death in minutes to hours. So the basic physical responses can be associated with different types of pollutants. "There are three categories of airborne irritants that adversely affect horses: contact irritants, airborne allergens and infectious agents," Dr. Cumper explains. Ventilation: Keeping Your Horses Healthy It's all about the airflow! The importance of proper ventilation cannot be overstated. Proper ventilation keeps healthy, fresh air moving in the barn to remove odors and stale air which helps keep you and your horses healthy. The most important factor is also the most unsophisticated. Noting that hot air rises and cool air falls, the basic principle is to pull fresh cool air in from below and pull hot air out from above. This means replacing the air from inside the barn with fresh, outside air. When it gets cold, resist the temptation to seal up your barn to keep your horses cozy. It's better to put an extra blanket on your horse than to keep them in a completely closed barn. Closing off your barn from all inlets/outlets allows only the old stale air to recirculate, which can cause health problems for your horses. You can achieve proper ventilation through natural means (windows, doors, etc.), mechanical means (fans, air ducts, etc.) or a mixture of both. Strive for cross-ventilation by having stall windows or doors. Breezeway doors, as well as raised center aisle windows, can be left all or partially open depending upon the weather. Consider using ceiling fans evenly spaced throughout the walkways or breezeways. Ceiling fans will recirculate, mix and homogenize the air, moving large volumes of air vertically over the horses and throughout the entire barn resulting in a healthier, cooler and more consistent environment all year long. Remember to make adjustments to accommodate seasonal differences in temperature and air flow. Most often, fans are run on medium high or high in the summer for more cooling effect, and medium to medium low in the winter to keep the warm air down off the ceiling and to improve the overall air quality. Many people turn fans off in the winter, but in colder climates, there can be a 1030 degree difference between the floor and the roof. By running the fans at low speed, not only will it greatly reduce or prevent condensation from forming on the roof, you can cut energy costs at the same time by using the heat that is generated instead of letting it dissipate at ceiling level. Barn ventilation is an important issue that is often given cursory attention. A well-ventilated barn will provide a healthy home for your horses, which helps you breathe a little easier. Choice Barns, Inc. www.choicebarns.com 866-994-2276

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Clearing the air: Reducing harmful stable odor is easy

by Rebecca Colnar, Article donated by the mane points horse resource center.
As your eyes meet, there is a compelling attraction. Without loss of eye contact, you stride to his side, tears welling in your eyes. You love your horse, but you realize, as your nostrils are assaulted by ammonia fumes, that these are not tears of endearment. The spell is broken. "Must love entail such torment?" you ask yourself, turning to the task of stall cleaning. As annoying as they can be, the smells associated with barns -- especially ammonia smells -- are often the least significant problem from prolonged exposure to ammonia inhalation. Ammonia poses a threat to health -- yours and your horse's-- when the smell becomes noticeable. Fortunately, a regular maintenance program that draws on common sense with products to control odor will handle the threat. Daily cleaning of stalls is a must. But how you control odors does matter. For example, hydrated lime, which is caustic, can cause problems for mature horses and is very risky with foals. The substance can burn the soft part of a horse's hoof, and lime dust poses difficulty for the horse's respiratory system and eyes. Natural desiccants that absorb water without breakdown -- thereby extending bedding life -- make good sense. The better ammonia-absorbing products effectively eliminate the odors at their source by locking up the molecules of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide -- or, in some cases, changing the bacteria population -- so less ammonia is released into the air. Several products on the market are natural, non-toxic and non-caustic. One either sprays or sprinkles the ammonia-absorbing products on the stall floor, concentrating especially on the wet areas. Besides better smells, you'll enjoy the added benefit of lessening the fly population in the barn and adjacent areas by creating an inhospitable environment for insect egg-laying and maggot growth. When buying an ammonia-controlling product, consider your objectives -- less dampness, less ammonia, safety (non-toxicity), economy and environmental compatibility. Ventilation helps horses breathe When it gets cold, the temptation is to keep your horse barn as airtight as possible to keep your horses cozy. That's unwise. Proper ventilation keeps healthy, fresh air moving in the barn to remove odors and stale air. Use common sense. If you have stall windows, open them. If you have doors, open them. Strive for cross-ventilation. Fresh air has never hurt a horse, but dusty, stale air can. The trick is to have fresh air without the barn being drafty and uncomfortable. If you have a full loft, put a window in each stall to allow for cross-ventilation. You might also want to

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consider having doors at each end of the barn that can be left all or partially open, depending on the weather. Horse Handbook: Housing and Equipment offers detailed suggestions for adding ventilation. It's available for $7 through Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service, 152 Riley Robb Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, (607) 255-7654.

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Stable Design
by Susan Raymond of the Equine Research Centre, Guelph, Ontario Ventilation The ideal ventilation system provides fresh air without drafts during all seasons distributes air uniformly will help minimise your horse's exposure to a wide range of environmental irritants if natural ventilation is not sufficient, mechanical can be used

Natural Ventilation Air moves by one of three ways (or a combination of the three): 1. The "stack effect" or thermal buoyancy: air movement is driven by temperature differences cooler air enters the barn through lower openings (inlets) air is then mixed with warmer air that is inside the barn (usually this air has been warmed by heat coming from the horses or by activities in the barn) warm air rises and exists the barn from higher openings (outlets) displacement of air causes more air to be drawn into the inlets

2. Aspiration air is moved by the action of the wind blowing across the roof of the barn this action draws air out through any available opening

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3. Perflatation wind is blown through openings in the barn air is moved from side to side or from end to end Ways to achieve a well ventilated barn in warmer weather, windows and doors are usually open permanent openings should be installed to achieve sufficient air changes when windows and doors are closed the greater the height difference between inlets and outlets the greater the ventilation rate Inlets installed along each long side of your barn hinged on the inside bottom side of the vent (will help avoid drafts) baffled vents will help prevent drafts and the entry of snow or rain place as low as possible but not at a height that could interfere with your horse should be adjustable

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Outlets continuous ridge along the peak of your roof or chimney(s) should be capped to prevent water from entering a copula on the chimney will prevent water from entering if the barn has a loft make sure that there are openings in the floor of the loft to allow air to reach the outlets at roof level or extend an insulated chimney down through the loft to the stable ceiling rule of thumb - install inlets twice the area as outlets if using a mechanical system, install an extractor fan in the base of the chimney the recommended pitch in the roof is 1:2 with a roof overhang of 2-3 ft Insulation Important for all seasons Winter conserves heat and reduces condensation Summer prevents heat of sun from heating barn Spring and Fall minimises temperature fluctuations caused by warm days and cold nights

Ventilation and insulation work together during the winter ventilation is usually greatly reduced to keep the barn warm if the reduced ventilation does not remove the moisture produced by the horses the result will be a cold, clammy, damp barn with condensation problems if the barn is insulated and not properly ventilated it will be even worse condensation occurs when warm stable air hits a cold inside wall

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Installation the vents in an insulated barn can be smaller than in a non-insulated barn a vapour barrier on the inside wall will help prevent condensation within the insulation the more porous an insulating material is, the greater is its insulating power if you are limited in what you can do, insulate the roof first Heat (usually not necessary) could prove useful if your barn is still cold and damp in the winter it is better to add supplemental heat than reduce ventilation a number of infrared heaters are suitable for barns The Checklist Your Dimension Recommendation

Stall Size

12 12ft (3.6 3.6m)

Stall Door Width

4 ft (1.2m)

Stall Door Height

8ft (2.4m)

Stall Ceiling Height

12ft (3.66m) 150ft2 (14m2) 1553ft3 (44m3)

Floor Area Per Horse

Airspace Per Horse

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Outlet Area Per Horse*

1.08ft2 (0.1m2)** 3.23ft2 (0.3m2)

Inlet Area Per Horse

Humidity Range

30% - 70%

Temperature Range

0 - 30C (32 - 85F)

*note: an insulated stable can have slightly smaller inlets and outlets **note: may only be suitable for smaller buildings - may be more appropriate for medium and larger buildings: general rule of thumb: 1 to 1.5% of floor area = area required for an open ridge ventilator. How to measure your barn Floor area per horse: length of barn width of barn # of horses Airspace per horse: If the barn has a closed loft: length of barn width of barn height of barn # of horses If the barn has an open pitched roof:

a. volume of barn without roof:

length of barn width of barn height of barn

b. volume of pitched roof:

barn length barn width height of highest roof point 2

c. volume of barn:
answer a + answer b

d. airspace per horse:

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answer c # of horses Outlet area per horse: total area of all chimneys or all outlet vents # of horses Inlet area per horse: total area of all inlet vents or open windows # of horses

This article was kindly contributed by the Equine Research Centre, Guelph, Ontario. For further information please click here To access EquineCanada click here. Equine Research Centre, 1996- 2000

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Installation of mechanical ventilation in a horse stable: effects on air quality and human and equine airways.
Wlinder R, Riihimki M, Bohlin S, Hogstedt C, Nordquist T, Raine A, Pringle J, Elfman L. Source Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, University of Uppsala, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden. robert.walinder@medsci.uu.se Abstract OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of installing a mechanical ventilation system at a riding-school stable on indoor air quality and human and horse airways. METHODS: The intervention was the installation of mechanical ventilation in a riding-school stable. Carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia, particles, horse allergen, microorganisms and endotoxins were measured in the stable. The stable-workers and riding-students completed a questionnaire and underwent the following tests: analysis of nasal lavage for inflammation biomarkers; levels of exhaled nitrogen oxide (NO); measurements of daily peak-expiratory flow (PEF). The horses were examined clinically by airway endoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and were analysed for cytology and biomarkers. RESULTS: Levels of CO2 were nearly halved and airborne horse allergen levels were markedly reduced (5-0.8 kU/m3) after the intervention. A decreased level of ultrafine particles was observed (8000-5400 particles/cm3) after the intervention, while total and respirable dust levels were mainly unchanged (200 and 130 g/m3). Levels of microorganisms in surface samples decreased following the intervention, whereas airborne microorganisms and endotoxin increased. There was no significant change in human symptoms, PEF-variability, exhaled NO or inflammatory biomarkers in the nasal lavage. In horses, the mean score of lower airway mucus was significantly reduced together with the mean level of expression of interleukin-6 mRNA in BAL cells after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The installation of a mechanical ventilation system resulted in an increased air exchange rate, as demonstrated by reduced levels of CO2, ammonia, ultrafine particles and horse allergen. There was no significant clinical effect on human airways, but there was a tendency for reduced inflammation markers. The results on the horses may indicate less impact on their airways after the intervention. PMID: 21431789 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] PMCID: PMC3117214 Free PMC Article

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Horse Stables And Barns Design

From: Horse Stables And Barns Stables A stable is a building in which a horse can be housed. A stable should be well built and secure offering a safe environment that will protect against the weather and from other horses and be practical to use. Stable Design The stable itself must provide a safe enviroment for the horse to be in. Safety, security, size, ventilation, drainage, flooring, lighting, windows, fixtures and fittings, accessibility, structure and positioning are all factors which must be taken into consideration. Safety In the event of a fire you must be able to remove your horse(s) from the stable area quickly and efficiently, have a emergency fire plan ready along with all the necessary fire safety equipment. Stable Walls The stable should have no sharp edges that the horse could catch itself on and allow the horse plenty of room to move around in as well as lye down. The use of kick boards around the wall are an excellent choice as they not only provide a smooth safe surface they can be placed at the height you want and are easy to clean. Security The stable must be able to be secured, a top bolt will not be enough as many horses quickly figure out how to open them so the addition of a kick bolt at the bottom of the door will help to keep even the most determined escapee in there stable. Yard security is another area that will need careful consideration. The use of cctv, motion censors, lighting, padlocking gates and securely locking tack rooms can all help to deter thieves. Size The stable must be big enough for the size of horse. There must be ample room for the horse to turn around, lye down and get up without bumping into walls. The ceiling height must also be high enough with the added consideration of any overhead lights being high enough not to cause any problems. The size of the door must be wide enough for the horse to easily fit through and also high enough for the horse in question. Accessibility The doorways must be easily accessible and be wide enough for the horse to easily fit through. Access from the stable to the rest of the yard is also important when it comes to access to the feed room, hay barn, muck heap and the tack room for example. Ventilation Each stable must offer adequate ventilation, this can be achieved in a number of ways such as windows, stable door and roof vents. Care must be taken to allow the air to circulate without causing draughts.

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Drainage Within each stable there must be adequate drainage available. Each stable can have a gentle slope that leads outside to a communal drain, the gully of which can then be easily disinfected, or each stable can have a drain within the stable which then leads to the main drain, therefore allowing the waste to go directly into the mains drain from each individual stable, which is a great option for preventing contamination from one stable going all along the yard, this is especially important if you ever have to disinfect a isolation box for example.

Flooring The main consideration when it comes to floor choice is that it must be non slip, rubber matting is an excellent choice for this as it can also be used as either a base for the stable bed, the bed itself or for use in walkways.

Lighting Ensure that any light fittings are correctly installed and at the correct height and covered so that they cannot to be broken and that all light switches are safely covered and on the outside of the box. The use of clear sky panels is a great way of allowing light in from the roof of a stable. Windows in the box will also help to allow light into the box.

Windows The addition of windows to a stable are an excellent way of increasing light and air circulation. Any windows must be covered to prevent the horse from breaking them with a grille or mesh frame.

Structure Stables and American barns can be built of a number of structures, a lot will depend on the area and the planning permission. Wooden stables are aesthetically pleasing and are often reasonably priced. Stone stables are often sturdy and offer warmth in winter and stay cool in the summer.

Roofing There are many roofing options available it will depend on planning permission and the style of stabling that you are going for. If possible choose a roofing product that offers extra light to be let in and that is weather resistant.

Fixtures And Fittings There are many useful fittings that will enhance the practical use of your stable such as tie rings, hay rack, water drinkers, feed mangers and window vents, stable window panel. Tie Rings can be used for both tying up your horse to and also tying up hay nets. Ensure that they are fixed at an appropriate height. Hay Racks can be positioned either in a corner or along the wall for hay to be easily placed into. Ensure that they are fixed at an appropriate height for the horse to suitably and safely use them. Water Drinkers can be a great asset especially in mare and foal boxes where water buckets on the floor are not advisable. Feed mangers are useful for easily distributing feeds and they can be positioned for ease of use. Feed mangers that can be removed allow for easy daily cleaning.

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Window Vents are a great asset as they can be opened or closed depending on the weather, wooden stables often benefit from these especially in the summer when some stables needs increased air flow. Stable window panel are small panels that can be left open to allow the horse in the next stable to see through the panel thereby offering more sociable stable or left closed to offer privacy.

Positioning And Layout Careful positioning of your yard is essential, with thought being taken into account of access not only for horses but also for deliveries such as hay,straw, shavings and feed and also access for veterinarians, clients and farriers. The yard layout that you choose must be workmanlike and safe and offer easy accessibility to all who will need to use it. The Tack room needs to be within close proximity to the stables but also have secure location to help guard against thieves. The Feed Room needs to be within close proximity to the stables and also have access to it for deliveries of horse feeds. The Muck Heap also needs to be close to the stables but not too close that it would pose a fire hazard. The muck heap also needs to be able to be removed by tractor or any other means if necessary. The hay barn should have easy access for deliveries and be close enough to the stable yard to be practical but without causing fire hazard issues. The shoeing box or area must allow the farrier the ability to easily park outside it. The veterinary box should allow the vet to easily pull up outside it and be close enough to the stable yard to be of practical value. Lorry Park will need a safe area for loading and unloading and easy access off the yard. Isolation Box should be slightly away from the other stables.

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Installation of mechanical ventilation in a horse stable: effects on air quality and human and equine airways
Robert Wlinder, 1 Miia Riihimki,2 Susanne Bohlin,1 Carl Hogstedt,1 Tobias Nordquist,1 Amanda Raine,3 John Pringle,2 and Lena Elfman1 Author information Article notes Copyright and License information Abstract Objectives To examine the effects of installing a mechanical ventilation system at a riding-school stable on indoor air quality and human and horse airways. Methods The intervention was the installation of mechanical ventilation in a riding-school stable. Carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia, particles, horse allergen, microorganisms and endotoxins were measured in the stable. The stable-workers and riding-students completed a questionnaire and underwent the following tests: analysis of nasal lavage for inflammation biomarkers; levels of exhaled nitrogen oxide (NO); measurements of daily peak-expiratory flow (PEF). The horses were examined clinically by airway endoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and were analysed for cytology and biomarkers. Results Levels of CO2 were nearly halved and airborne horse allergen levels were markedly reduced (5 0.8 kU/m3) after the intervention. A decreased level of ultrafine particles was observed (80005400 particles/cm3) after the intervention, while total and respirable dust levels were mainly unchanged (200 and 130 g/m3). Levels of microorganisms in surface samples decreased following the intervention, whereas airborne microorganisms and endotoxin increased. There was no significant change in human symptoms, PEF-variability, exhaled NO or inflammatory biomarkers in the nasal lavage. In horses, the mean score of lower airway mucus was significantly reduced together with the mean level of expression of interleukin-6 mRNA in BAL cells after the intervention. Conclusions The installation of a mechanical ventilation system resulted in an increased air exchange rate, as demonstrated by reduced levels of CO2, ammonia, ultrafine particles and horse allergen. There was no significant clinical effect on human airways, but there was a tendency for reduced inflammation markers. The results on the horses may indicate less impact on their airways after the intervention. Keywords: Airways, Biomarker, Horse, Human, Indoor air quality Introduction In intensive agricultural practices involving cows, pigs and poultry there is considerable evidence that farmers and farm workers, who spend large parts of their days in the barn environment, are at increased risk of developing respiratory diseases [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control1

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The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control4]. In Sweden, farming is one of the occupations associated with the highest prevalence of asthma [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control4]. Farm buildings with confined housing of domesticated animals, regardless of the species, contain a wide variety of gases and organic dusts in the atmosphere, including microbes and the products thereof, such as endotoxins and 1-3--glucans [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control5, The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control6]. It is well known that exposure to the organic dusts, microorganisms and endotoxins present in different farm animal stabling systems can cause chronic pulmonary diseases in humans [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control7 The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control9]. In industrialized countries, large numbers of people work in the equine industry, with many of these actively coming into close contact with horses. There are 28,000 full-time jobs in the equine industry in Sweden, and it has been estimated that 4.6 million Americans in the USA are directly involved in that countrys equine industry (American Horse Council Foundation 2005: Economic impacts of the US horse industry). Many people spend a considerable amount of time each day in equine stable environments, either as employees involved in the care and training of horses or as a leisure activity (for example, 6% of the Swedish population). Similar to other farming environments, horse stable air also contains a plethora of inorganic and organic particles that are potential airway allergens and irritants. Specifically, the organic portion that often originates from feed, bedding or manure or from growth on stable walls [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control10], such as bacteria and fungi (e.g. Faenia rectivirgula, Aspergillus fumigatus) or their products, can be found in high amounts in the stable air [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version.

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Destroy user interface control11]. Studies in conventional horse stables have shown that acceptable levels of endotoxin and 1-3--glucan, which may cause inflammation in human airways, are often exceeded [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control10, The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control12]. Until recently, however, the influence of equine stable air on human health has been relatively ignored. Increased contact with horses has been related to an increased incidence of asthma and decreased pulmonary function in grooms [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control13]. Several recent surveys based on self-reporting data have also identified an increased risk of respiratory symptoms in people with high exposure to equine barn air [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control14, The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control15]. In addition to this risk to human health, indoor stable air is a wellestablished trigger of airway inflammation in horses with the asthma-like disease recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control6] and even in clinically normal horses [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control16]. To the best of our knowledge, no data have been published that relate detailed measurements of stable air quality and respiratory health measurements in stable personnel and horses in the same stable. We hypothesized that selected components of stable air environment measurements in horse stables could be correlated to indices of respiratory health in individuals spending a considerable amount of time in the stable environment as well as in the stabled horses. We therefore conducted an intervention study in which markers of respiratory health in people and horses, as well as stable air quality indices, were measured longitudinally before and after the installation of a mechanical ventilation system in a previously naturally ventilated stable. The hypotheses that we specifically tested were:

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1. The particulate and gaseous makeup of stable air would measurably differ from that of a naturally ventilated equine stable following the installation of mechanical ventilation. 2. The indices of respiratory health in stable personnel and in stabled horses would be measurably improved following the installation of mechanical ventilation in the stable. Go to: Methods Study design

Intervention
A balanced supply and exhaust ventilation system was fitted in a former naturally ventilated ridingschool stable. The supply air came in from the outer wall in the middle of the building and was distributed via outlets from the ceiling into 18 of 24 horse-boxes. The exhaust air was pumped out through a vent-canal placed in the middle of the stable corridor that passed up through the hay-loft to the top of the roof (Fig. 1). The ventilation system was scaled for occupancy of 25 horses, and the airflow was regulated by the indoor temperature and adjusted for a maximal flow of 2200 L/s under summer conditions and a minimal flow of 400550 L/s during the winter at a temperature of 5C in the stable. Measurements were performed three times within a 1-year period: in the winter before the intervention; in the summer before the intervention; in the following winter after the intervention (hereafter referred to as Round 1, Round 2, and Round 3, respectively). The installation of mechanical ventilation was performed in February the year after the first measurements (Round 1 and 2) were performed. Round 3 measurements (after the intervention) were performed in early April when the new mechanical ventilation system had been runningand personnel and horses had been exposed to these new indoor stable conditionsfor 1 month. The evaluations (both before and after the intervention) consisted of hygienic measurements of indoor air quality and clinical examinations of both humans and horses.

Fig. 1 Scheme of the mechanical ventilation system installed in the riding-school stable

Building
The horse stable, built in the 1920s, was run by a communal riding school. It was a concrete frame building with a concrete floor and metal roof (12 30 m2), without supplemental heating or mechanical ventilation. The horse-boxes were separated by wooden plank walls with upper steel bars and with sliding doors of the same construction. There were four entrances to the stable; one at each end of the building and two on one of the long sides, of which one was used for removing manure while cleaning, and the other was used to take horses in and out to the adjacent riding hall. There was a loft above the stalls and under the roof where hay and straw were stored.

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The stable housed a total of 24 horses of mixed breeds. A normal day's activities at the stable consisted of the following. The boxes or stalls were mucked-out by stable-personnel each morning after the horses had been taken outdoors. Fresh straw for bedding was taken down from the loft via a hole in the ceiling inside the stable and distributed to the boxes. Doors were generally kept open during the cleaning of the stable and during training sessions. Horses were fed three times a day (in the morning before going out to the fields, at midday when coming back to the stables prior to the training sessions and in the evening) with haylage and pelleted fodder. Riding classes were held between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., which means horses were groomed and made ready for riding, and people and horses were coming and going on an hourly basis.

Hygienic measurements
At each of the three rounds, we carried out hygienic sampling on two successive days. In order to obtain peak exposure values, the samplings were conducted over a period of 47 h, beginning at 7:00 a.m., when routine morning activities were being carried out in the stable, such as cleaning the stalls, and continuing into the afternoon, when the horses were being fed, groomed and trained. Some overnight samples were also taken when all the horses were in the stables and doors were closed. Real-time monitoring of carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, humidity, ultrafine particles and coarse particulate matter (PM10) was made continuously for 3037 h during the 2 days of sampling at each round. The sampling point was in the middle of the stable corridor. CO2, temperature, and relative humidity (RH%) were logged every minute with a Q-Trak (model 8550; TSI, Shoreview, MI) up to 37 h. Monitoring of ultrafine particles, defined as particles with a diameter of <0.1 m (range 0.021 m) was performed with a P-Trak (model 8525; TSI), logging data every minute over a period of 1237 h. Measured data are presented as particles per cubic centimetre. A DustTrak aerosol monitor (model 8520; TSI) was used to measure airborne dust concentration (ADC, particles <10 m), which was programmed to log measured data every minute over a period of 2837 h. Concentrations are presented as milligrams per cubic metre. All logged data were downloaded after sampling using TrakPro v3.33 software for data analysis. A graphical display of time versus temperature, RH%, and CO2 or ADC and ultrafine particles, respectively, was constructed to provide a visual indication of the timing and duration of peak concentrations and their relation to activities in the stable. Measurements of ammonia in the air were obtained using passive samplers during three different 24h periods in 1 week. Samples were analysed at The Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Gothenburg, Sweden [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control17]. The values are expressed as micrograms per cubic metre and are the median of three samples. However, no sample was available for Round 1 because of the authors unawareness of the method at the time. Air sampling was performed with pumps (SKC, Eighty-Four, PA) for sampling of horse allergen, total and respirable dust, airborne microorganisms, and endotoxins. In general, three samples of each factor were collected at each sampling round. Pumps were adjusted for a flow of 2 L/min for 47 h

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and placed approximately 11.5 m above ground level at three points in the stable corridor, one near to each end and one in the middle, immediately outside a stall, with the filter unit attached to the steel bars. Airborne horse allergen particles were collected with an IOM-sampler (SKC) equipped with a fluoropore membrane filter (pore size 1.0 m, Type FA; Millipore AB, Sweden). Air samples were analysed for horse allergen levels using a two-site sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; monoclonal antibodies from Mabtech AB, Stockholm, Sweden) [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control18] and expressed as units per cubic metre, where 1 unit is equal to 1 ng protein of a horsehair, and dander extract was used as a standard (Allergon, Valinge, Sweden). The detection limit for the assay was 2 U/ml, which was the equivalent of 2 U/m3. Total and respirable dust in air was collected in a cassette with a 25-mm (pore size 0.8 m) membrane filter. In the case of respirable dust, a metal cyclone (SKC) was placed before the filter cassette, and the pump was attached to the personnels clothing or to the horses back, with the inlet of the tubing in the breathing zone. All airborne dust samples were analysed by a gravimetric method and the organic proportion calculated after combustion of the filter and weighing of the remaining inorganic material (Occupational and Environmental Medicine Laboratory, Orebro University Hospital, Sweden). The detection limit was 0.1 mg/sample, and results are expressed as milligrams per cubic metre. Samples of airborne microorganisms and endotoxin were collected on a cassette with a 25-mm sterile nucleopore filter (pore size 0.4 m). Surface sampling (90 65 mm, 0.006 m2) was performed using Scotch-brite on the outer wall of three stalls at about 1.5 m above the floor. The total concentration of airborne and surface moulds and bacteria were analysed with the CAMNEA method [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control19] based on acridine orange staining and epifluorescence microscopy (performed by Pegasus Lab; Eurofins Environment Sweden AB, Sweden). Species of viable moulds and bacteria were determined by incubation on two different media [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control20]. The incubation time was 7 days on both media and for all microorganisms with the exception of Streptomyces sp. for which the incubation time was 21 days. The detection limit for viable organisms was 30 colony forming units (CFU)/m3 of air. For the analysis of endotoxin, the filters were extracted with pyrogen-free water and analysed at the Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, Uppsala University, using the kinetic turbidimetric method with the Limulus test (Cape Cod, MA and Endosafe (Charles River Endosafe, Charleston, SC). The results are expressed as EU per cubic metre. Investigation of humans At the start of this study the stable personnel comprised six women and one man and approximately 320 students between the ages of 7 and 18 years who were attending the riding school. Initially, all seven personnel agreed to participate. However, one male employee dropped out of the study during the first sampling round, and one female employee left before the second sampling round. For
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practical reasons, only students >12 years of age and who were at the stables at least several days a week were asked to participate. In total, seven students (6 girls and one boy) provided their own written consent to participate, after obtaining permission from their parents. Stable personnel and riding-students completed a questionnaire on the annoyance of dust and smell in the stable and on symptoms of eczema, eye irritation, nasal congestion and dyspnea. Lung function was measured by spirometry (Spirobank G; Mir, Rome, Italy) according to American Thoracic Society (ATS) standards [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control21], and measurements of nitrogen oxide (NO; NIOX MINO; Aerocrine AB, Solna, Sweden) were performed on the days the hygienic measurements were being made. Subjects were instructed to make repeated peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements using a Piko-1 electronic device (Medeca Pharma, Uppsala, Sweden) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) measurements four times per day for 2 weeks [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control22]. Lavage of the nasal mucosa was performed by introducing 5 ml 0.9% sterile saline solution in each nasal cavity [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control23]. The biomarkers analysed in the nasal lavage fluid included eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) (a marker of eosinophil activity) [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control24], myeloperoxidase (MPO) of the neutrophils in the mucosa [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control25], lysozyme (a marker of neutrophil activity and secretion from parasympathetically innervated mucosal glands) [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control26], albumin (a marker of capillary leakage of plasma proteins) [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control27], interleukin (IL)-5 (a marker of eosinophil and Th2 activity) and interferon-gamma (IFN-) a marker of Th1 activity [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version.

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Destroy user interface control28]. ECP, MPO, lysozyme and albumin were analysed at the Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital of Uppsala by methods described elsewhere [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control23]. IL-5 and IFN- were analysed using ELISA kits according to the instructions of the supplier (R&D Systems Europe, Abingdon, UK) at the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of Uppsala. Investigation of horses Of the 24 horses of different breeds in the riding-school stable, 14 were included in the study. The initial selection was based on the probability that they would remain in the stable during the entire 1year study. However, ultimately only eight of these 14 horses remained during the whole study period [six mixed breed ponies and two warmblood horses, all geldings; aged 12.5 2.7 years, mean standard deviation (SD); range 816 years]. All horses were examined at the riding school stable, and the tests included a clinical respiratory examination (pulmonary auscultation with and without re-breathing bag and cough provocation), routine blood sample analysis, upper and lower airway endoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) using a blind tube (Surgivet, Waukesha, WI) according to published methods [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control29]. The recovered BAL fluid was placed on ice; a 30-ml sample was removed for immediate processing for cytological examination using the cytospin technique as previously described, and the remainder was prepared and stored for quantitative real-time multiplex PCR analysis for IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 mRNA at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University using the QuantiTect Multiplex PCR NoROX kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). The PCR cytokine mRNA expression for individual horses was calculated in relation to a theoretic median value of 1 (CT = 0, )[

The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control29]. The CT value is the difference between the CT value for the target gene and reference gene, and the CT value is the difference between CT values that are compared in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 Comparison of the relative (fold) increase (with interquartile range) in cytokine (IL interleukin) mRNA expression in horse bronchoalveolar lavage cells on different sampling occasions. The horizontal line represents the medial line. The value 1 on the ...

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Statistics Hygienic measurements and clinical data were calculated as mean or median values and, where appropriate, with 10th and 90th percentiles. For particle data, the 98th percentile is also given. The Wilcoxon matched pairs test was performed to compare clinical parameters before (stable with natural ventilation) and after the intervention (stable with mechanical ventilation). Ethics The human study was approved by the regional ethics committee at the University of Uppsala, Sweden (Ups 03-649). The study on horses was approved by the Ethical Committee for Animal Experiments, Uppsala, Sweden (diary number C16/7). Go to: Results Hygienic effects of the intervention The median level of CO2 in the stable during winter season was reduced from 950 ppm before the intervention to 510 ppm afterwards (Table 1). Before the intervention, the median summer value was 800 ppm. In Fig. 2 CO2 is plotted over time for each round. Measurements for Round 1 were not complete within 24 h due to instrument malfunction. The 90th percentile for Round 1, 2 and 3 was 1280, 900 and 750 ppm, respectively; the 98th percentile for Round 1, 2 and 3 was 1410, 980 and 810 ppm, respectively. The median level of ammonia was reduced from 3200 g/m3 before the intervention to 1330 g/m3 after installation of the mechanical ventilation system (Table 1). Relative humidity over 24 h varied between 40 and 84 RH% at the first winter sampling (Round 1) and varied between 58 and 97 RH% during the winter after the intervention; summer values ranged between 65 and 84 RH%.

Table 1 Hygienic measurements in the riding-school stable

Fig. 2 Level of CO2 at the riding-school stable over a 24-h period in each of Round 1, 2 and 3 The mean temperature in the stable at the winter sampling before and after the intervention was 8C (range 715C) and 8C (range 612C), respectively. At the summer measurement (Round 2) the mean temperature was 21C both in the stable and outside.

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No real difference was detected in total dust due to the intervention. Prior to the intervention, the median total dust level was 210 g/m3 in the winter and 220 g/m3 in the summer; in the winter following the intervention, it was 200 g/m3. The median respirable dust level was also not reduced by the intervention, being 100 and 130 g/m3 in the winter before and after the intervention, respectively; the intermittent summer value was somewhat lower at 70 g/m3. The effect of the intervention on the PM10 level could not be evaluated at the winter sampling before the intervention due to a technical error. The summer value before the intervention was somewhat lower (53 g/m3) than the median winter value after the intervention (65 g/m3). The median level of ultrafine particles was reduced from 8000 particles (Pt)/cm3 before the intervention to 5400 Pt/cm3 after the intervention. The median summer value was 1500 Pt/cm3. The 98th percentile for ultrafine particles showed the same pattern. The median horse allergen level in the stable air was 5170 U/m3 the winter before the intervention, falling to 790 U/m3 in the winter after the intervention. The median summer value before the intervention was 750 U/m3. The number of microorganisms on the inner wall surfaces fell after the intervention, with the number of bacteria falling from 110 1051.4 105/m2 and that of fungi, from 6.6 1050.15 105/m2. The summer values before the intervention were in the same range as the winter values after the intervention. The total number of bacteria in air samples was almost the same in all three rounds: 19 105/m3 before and 21 105/m3 after the intervention, while the total number of fungi increased from 3.5 105/m3 before the intervention to 6.6 105/m3 after the intervention. Summer values were lower. Median endotoxin levels in air increased substantially after the intervention (from 96 to 275 EU/m3). Effects of intervention on human health The mean age of the stable personnel and riding-students was 34 (range 2151) and 15 years (range 1317 years), respectively. One student smoked. None of the employees or students reported asthma, but one employee had used asthma medication symptomatically before the intervention, but not thereafter. Two students reported suffering from hay-fever. Reports of smell-discomfort, annoyance to dust, eczema, eye irritation, nasal congestion and dyspnoea were unchanged after the intervention. The results of pulmonary function tests were within normal limits according to gender, age, weight and height [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control30, The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control31]. Daily PEF measurements were not significantly changed after the intervention among the stable personnel (Table 2). However, there was an increase, albeit not significant, in pulmonary function among the students (Table 2), with the mean PEF level increasing from 387 to 416 L/min and FEV1 increasing from 2.9 to 3.2 L/s. This is most likely due to the growth of the students. Exhaled NO values were low and remained at the same level on all three sampling occasions. The median level of inflammation markers in nasal lavage was not significantly altered after the intervention (Table 2).

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Table 2 Levels of pulmonary function and biomarkers in nasal lavage in stable personnel and riding-students Effects of intervention on equine health In horses, the accumulation of mucus (mucus score according to Gerber scale [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control32]) was significantly reduced in the winter after the intervention compared to the first winter sampling (p = 0.036) (Table 3). Haematology revealed only minor variations that had no clinical relevance. Results from the cytological tests on the BAL showed a slightly increased percentage of neutrophils in two horses after the intervention, of which one also had increased respiratory rate and respiratory sounds. The PCR expression of IL-6 mRNA in BAL cells was significantly lower in the winter after the intervention than in the winter before the intervention (Fig. 3).

Table 3 Results from the clinical examination and cytological tests on the bronchoalveolar lavage of the horses Go to: Discussion The installation of a balanced mechanical ventilation system with supply and exhaust air resulted in reduced levels of CO2, ammonia, ultrafine particles and horse allergen. The fact that the CO2 level was halved shows that the installation of mechanical ventilation was effective in improving the air quality in the stable. The effect of this intervention was evaluated by comparing two successive winter samplings. We also compared winter values with summer values, which may in many cases, be the best values anticipated in this stable. We choose to compare values before and after the intervention during the winter season, when the indoor climate in a stable is generally at its worst. In winter, it is cold and damp outside, which means that natural ventilation in a stable is kept at its lowest, with closed doors and windows [

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The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control33]. Following the installation of mechanical ventilation, the air exchange rate was increased to at least 400500 L/s at the lowest indoor temperature of about +5C. This means a much better exchange rate than can be expected with natural ventilation. The flow has to be reduced at low outdoor temperatures (i.e. 10 to 20C) to prevent the indoor temperature from falling below zero. It is too costly to warm up the supply air in a stable, which is why ventilation systems are run in this manner in a cold climate, such as in Sweden. Since the mechanical ventilation was running 24 h/day and automatically regulated by the indoor temperature in the stable, with a maximum airflow (2200 L/s) at high temperatures, i.e. during the summer, and a minimum flow (400 L/s) at 5C, the ventilation system was running at a low capacity during the second winter sampling (Round 3) as the mean temperature was 8C. This could explain why some hygienic measures showed greater seasonal effects than the comparison before and after the intervention and indicates that summer values were sometimes lower than winter values (Round 2 < Round 3) despite the use of only natural ventilation. Another explanation for why the measurements of dust, microorganisms and endotoxin were not reduced by the intervention could be because most hygienic measurements were made during peak exposures, such as cleaning and feed delivery. Peak values are probably less affected by low- to moderate ventilation rates. However, PM10 particle levels were low compared with those reported for other stables and pig farms [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control1, The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control12, The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control33 The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control35], with median values ranging between 53 and 65 g/m3 in our study. It is well known that there is a substantial measurement error and also a large day-to day variability in many hygienic measurements [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control36]. None of our subjects reported a diagnosis of asthma. However, one of the stable personnel reported the use of asthma medication beforebut not afterthe intervention, implying a better quality of air after the installation of the mechanical ventilation. Two students reported hay-fever, but none of the personnel. In a previous study, we described a possible disregard among stable personnel having respiratory problems [
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The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control10]. In the present study, we found a status quo regarding reported symptoms and airway measurements in personnel and students. These results might be anticipated among a relatively healthy study population with environmentally-related symptoms being better than expected. In horses, decreased tracheal mucous was the strongest indication of reduced airway inflammation after the intervention. Cytokine IL-6 is a pre-inflammatory marker and indicator of exposure to the stable environment per se. The expression of IL-6 mRNA can be associated with increased mucus secretion due to the stimulation of mucin genes, such as MUC5AC, in horses [ The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control37, The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version. Destroy user interface control38]. Therefore, a decreased amount of mucous in the trachea together with a lower expression of IL-6 mRNA in BAL cells may indicate an improvement in the health of the horses airways after the intervention. However, after the intervention, one of the eight horses had an increased respiratory rate and respiratory sounds. This horse, together with another horse, had a mild elevation in BAL neutrophils after the intervention (Table 3). In summary, the overall clinical outcome in horses indicates less airway inflammation. Why this was not observed in humans could be due to the fact that horses spend substantially longer times in the stable. Go to: Conclusions Hygienic measurements showed an increased air exchange rate, verified by reduced levels of CO2, ammonia, ultrafine particles and horse allergen. Taken together, these results indicate an improved air quality. No significant effects were observed in humans, but there was a tendency towards reduced inflammation markers. The overall clinical effects in horses may indicate a lower impact on the airways after the intervention. Go to: Acknowledgments We would like to thank Mabtech AB, Stockholm, Sweden, which generously supplied the monoclonal antibody reagents for the horse allergen ELISA. This work received funding from Swedish Farmers Foundation for Agricultural Research and Foundation for Horse Research. Go to: References 1. Malmberg P. Health effects of organic dust exposure in dairy farmers. Am J Ind Med. 1990;17(1):715. [PubMed]

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2. Linaker C, Smedley J. Respiratory illness in agricultural workers. Occup Med (Lond) 2002;52(8):451459. doi: 10.1093/occmed/52.8.451. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 3. Omland O, Sigsgaard T, Hjort C, Pedersen OF, Miller MR. Lung status in young Danish rurals: the effect of farming exposure on asthma-like symptoms and lung function. Eur Respir J. 1999;13(1):31 37. doi: 10.1183/09031936.99.13103199. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 4. Lembke B, Janson C, Norbck D, Rask-Andersen A. High risk of adult-onset asthma and workrelated wheeze in farmers despite low prevalence of asthma in young farmers. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2004;8(11):12851291. [PubMed] 5. Pickrell J. Hazards in confinement housinggases and dusts in confined animal houses for swine, poultry, horses and humans. Vet Hum Toxicol. 1991;33(1):3239. [PubMed] 6. Pirie RS, Collie DDS, Dixon PM, McGorum BC. Inhaled endotoxin and organic dust particulates have synergistic proinflammatory effects in equine heaves (organic dust-induced asthma) Clin Exp Allergy. 2003;33(5):676683. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2222.2003.01640.x. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 7. Vogelzang PF, Gulden JW, Folgering H, Kolk JJ, Heederik D, Preller L, et al. Endotoxin exposure as a major determinant of lung function decline in pig farmers. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 1998;157(1):1518. [PubMed] 8. Spurzem JR, Romberger DJ, Essen SG. Agricultural lung disease. Clin Chest Med. 2002;23(4):795 810. doi: 10.1016/S0272-5231(02)00024-2. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 9. Charavaryamath C, Singh B. Pulmonary effects of exposure to pig barn air. J Occup Med Toxicol. 2006;1:10. doi: 10.1186/1745-6673-1-10. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 10. Elfman L, Riihimki M, Pringle J, Wlinder R. Influence of horse stable environment on human airways. J Occup Med Toxicol. 2009;4:10. doi: 10.1186/1745-6673-4-10. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 11. Nardoni S, Mancianti F, Sgorbini M, Taccini F, Corazza M. Identification and seasonal distribution of airborne fungi in three horse stables in Italy. Mycopathologia. 2005;160(1):2934. doi: 10.1007/s11046-005-2669-3. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 12. Samadi S, Wouters IM, Houben R, Jamshidifard A, Eerdenburg F, Heederik DJJ. Exposure to inhalable dust, endotoxins, beta(1-3)-glucans, and airborne microorganisms in horse stables. Ann Occup Hyg. 2009;53(6):595603. doi: 10.1093/annhyg/mep040. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 13. Tutluoglu B, Ati S, Anakkaya AN, Altug E, Tosun GA, Yaman M. Sensitization to horse hair, symptoms and lung function in grooms. Clin Exp Allergy. 2002;32(8):11701173. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2745.2002.01439.x. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 14. Gallagher LM, Crane J, Fitzharris P, Bates MN. Occupational respiratory health of New Zealand horse trainers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2007;80(4):335341. doi: 10.1007/s00420-006-01414. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 15. Mazan MR, Svatek J, Maranda L, Christiani D, Ghio A, Nadeau J, et al. Questionnaire assessment of airway disease symptoms in equine barn personnel. Occup Med (Lond) 2009;59(4):220225. doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqp003. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Cross Ref]

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16. Holcombe SJ, Jackson C, Gerber V, Jefcoat A, Berney C, Eberhardt S, et al. Stabling is associated with airway inflammation in young Arabian horses. Equine Vet J. 2001;33(3):244249. doi: 10.2746/042516401776249606. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 17. Kirchner M, Braeutigam S, Ferm M, Haas M, Hangartner M, Hofschreuder P, et al. Field intercomparison of diffusive samplers for measuring ammonia. J Environ Monit. 1999;1(3):259265. doi: 10.1039/a902378j. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 18. Emenius G, Larsson PH, Wickman M, Hrfast B. Dispersion of horse allergen in the ambient air, detected with sandwich ELISA. Allergy. 2001;56(8):771774. doi: 10.1034/j.13989995.2001.056008771.x. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 19. Palmgren U, Strm G, Blomqvist G, Malmberg P. Collection of airborne micro-organisms on nucleopore filters, estimation and analysis-CAMNEA method. J Appl Bacteriol. 1986;61:401406. [PubMed] 20. Vagn Jensen The dilution plate count technique for the enumeration of bacteria and fungi in soil. Zbl Bakteriol Parasitenkde. 1962;116:1332. 21. American Thoracic Society (ATS) American Thoracic Society Medical Section of the American Lung Association standardization of spirometry. 1994 update. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 1995;152:1107 36. 22. Anees W, Gannon PF, Huggins V, Pantin CFA, Burge PS. Effect of peak expiratory flow data quantity on diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in occupational asthma. Eur Respir J. 2004;23(5):730734. doi: 10.1183/09031936.04.00027304. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 23. Wlinder R, Norbck D, Wieslander G, Smedje G, Erwall C, Venge P. Nasal patency and biomarkers in nasal lavagethe significance of air exchange rate and type of ventilation in schools. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 1998;71(7):479486. doi: 10.1007/s004200050309. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 24. Venge P, Hkansson L, Peterson C. Eosinophil activation in allergic disease. Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol. 1987;82:333337. doi: 10.1159/000234219. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 25. Venge P. Soluble markers of allergic inflammation. Allergy. 1994;49:18. doi: 10.1111/j.13989995.1994.tb00765.x. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 26. Raphael G, Jeney E, Baraniuk J, Kim I, Meredith S, Kaliner M. Pathophysiology of rhinitis. Lactoferrin and lysozyme in nasal secretions. J Clin Invest. 1989;84:15281535. doi: 10.1172/JCI114329. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 27. Raphael G, Igarashi Y, White M, Kaliner M. The pathophysiology of rhinitis. V. Sources of protein in allergen- induced nasal secretions. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1991;88:3342. doi: 10.1016/00916749(91)90298-3. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 28. Romagnani S. Type 1T-helper and type 2 T-helper cells: function, regulation and role in protection and disease. Int J Clin Lab Res. 1991;21:152158. doi: 10.1007/BF02591635. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 29. Riihimki M, Raine A, Elfman L, Pringle J. Markers of respiratory inflammation in horses in relation to seasonal changes in air quality in a conventional racing stable. Can J Vet Res. 2008;72(5):432 439. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

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30. Solymar L, Aronsson PH, Bake B, Bjure J. Nitrogen single breath test, flow-volume curves and spirometry in healthy children, 718 years of age. Eur J Respir Dis. 1980;61(5):275286. [PubMed] 31. Hedenstrm H, Malmberg P, Agarwal K. Reference values for lung function tests in females. Regression equations with smoking variables. Bull Eur Physiopathol Respir. 1985;21(6):551557. [PubMed] 32. Gerber V, Straub R, Marti E, Hauptman J, Herholz C, King M, et al. Endoscopic scoring of mucus quantity and quality: observer and horse variance and relationship to inflammation, mucus viscoelasticity and volume. Equine Vet J. 2004;36(7):576582. doi: 10.2746/0425164044864525. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 33. Webster AJ, Clarke AF, Madelin TM, Wathes CM. Air hygiene in stables. 1: Effects of stable design, ventilation and management on the concentration of respirable dust. Equine Vet J. 1987;19(5):448453. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1987.tb02641.x. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 34. Crichlow EC, Yoshida K, Wallace K. Dust levels in a riding stable. Equine Vet J. 1980;12(4):185 188. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1980.tb03422.x. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 35. Clarke AF. Stable dustthreshold limiting values, exposures variables and host risk factors. Equine Vet J. 1993;25(3):172174. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1993.tb02933.x. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 36. OMeara T, Tovey E. Monitoring personal allergen exposure. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2000;18:341395. doi: 10.1385/CRIAI:18:3:341. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 37. Gerber V, Robinson NE, Venta RJ, Rawson J, Jefcoat AM, Hotchkiss JA. Mucin genes in horse airways: MUC5AC, but not MUC2, may play a role in recurrent airway obstruction. Equine Vet J. 2003;35(3):252257. doi: 10.2746/042516403776148291. [PubMed] [Cross Ref] 38. Chen Y, Thai P, Zhao Y, Ho Y, DeSouza M. Stimulation of airway mucin gene expression by interleukin (IL-17) through IL-6. J Biol Chem. 2003;2778:1703617043. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M210429200. [PubMed] [Cross Ref]

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Windows & Ventilation WINDOWS ARE IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN STABLING A HORSE To suit a variety of requirements we offer a choice of 5 standard window designs Hopper, Combi Hopper, Opening, Fixed or Louvre. They are made in quality Redwood timber (100mm x 38mm) jointed, glued and star doweled together. Operated from the outside for convenience and come complete with a detachable internal galvanised grille which fits flush on to the frame. They are rebated ready for glazing with glass or Perspex and finishing with beading. All stable windows can be supplied with Perspex and beading at a special price. HOPPER WINDOW The top section is louvred and can be secured open in any position. Size: 940mm square COMBI HOPPER Suitable for brickwork openings with a louvred top section and bottom traditional opening. The most versatile window designed with the equestrian in mind. Size: 900mm square OPENING Designed to fit flush with their surroundings and allowing hinged opening to 305mm on chains or dropped down totally for ease of cleaning. Size: 940mm high x 787mm wide FIXED Ideal for use where light is required without ventilation. Size: 838mm high x 1143mm wide LOUVRE Incorporating six Polypropylene coated Aluminium louvers to allow a great deal of flexibility in controlling air circulation. Size: 940mm high x 787mm wide TRADITIONAL OPENING WINDOW Has top opening light, great for older/traditional buildings, stables and out buildings. Perfect where ventilation is required. Suitable for brickwork openings. Size: 760mm high x 1140mm wide VENTILATORS Used to maximise air circulation creating a healthy environment for your horse to live in. Constructed out of planed joinery grade timber. Size: 356mm high x 559mm wide LOUVRE SETS When making your own windows we can offer you louvre sets for a cost effective job. Available in two sizes and externally operated. PERSPEX A lightweight Acrylic sheet which is extremely strong and very safe. We have sets available for each of our standard windows sizes and contains the panes ready cut for installation. The Perspex is 4mm thick unless you require Louvre where it is 6mm thick. PRICES HOPPER A1500 (window only) 182.65 A1501 (with perspex and beading) 247.22

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COMBI HOPPER A1700 (window only) 214.43 A1701 (with perspex and beading) 263.65 TRADITIONAL A1710 (window only) 388.15 A1711 (with perspex and beading) 393.34 OPENING A1510 (window only) 212.39 A1511 (with perspex and beading) 244.21 FIXED A1530 (window only) 136.73 A1531 (with perspex and beading) 212.46 LOUVRE A1520 (window only) 200.96 A1521 (with perspex and beading) 235.22 PERSPEX GLAZING A1570 150mm x 669mm 18.20 A1580 150mm x 819mm 21.51 BEADING A1500B For Hopper Window 9.23 A1510B For Opening Window 9.70 A1530B For Fixed Window 9.60 LOUVRE SETS A1550 2 blade set 304mm long 35.56 A1560 6 blade set 863mm long 87.65 VENTILATOR A1540 60.98 To Buy; call 02033 184775, or buy online by visiting www.horserserugs4u.com, and entering the Product Code in the search field.

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Hopper Window

Traditional Opening Window

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Fixed

Combi Window

Opening

Louvre

Ventilators

Louvre Set 2-blade

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Louvre Set 6-blade Ventilation matters Posted on 30. Jun, 2010 by Julia Berrie in Let's talk stables, Scotts News The importance of ventilation for competitive advantage Recent research and modern theory have placed greater importance on draught free ventilation and raised awareness of the many benefits to the horses welfare. Horses needs strong lungs, especially those in competition, and ventilation greatly affects their breathing and respiration, so providing good ventilation is a basic necessity for horses who are required to perform. The horses anatomy, with its respiratory passages close to its mouth, also means that there is an ever-present risk of contagious spore infection from anything that it might smell or eat. The majority of older stables simply do not offer adequate ventilation; therefore horse owners should take this topic very seriously. Scotts of Thrapston has highlighted the basic principles of ventilation and provides some useful advice here to check whether the current levels of ventilation in your horses home is adequate. The fundamental principle is fresh air, which should be continually available. Stale air should be expelled, but without introducing draughts. To achieve good ventilation you dont require mechanical extraction; it can be achieved by careful provision and positioning of adequate air inlets and vents when the building is being designed. To check that you are providing the best levels of ventilation for your horse, follow these tips in your own yard: Boxes should not be sited immediately adjacent to large trees or other obstructions that may affect the free flow of air through the building. If they are, try to reduce the obstruction by keeping trees well trimmed Plenty of headroom within the stables is recommended as it increases the volume of air in each box and goes a long way to avoiding the problem of bad air. For example, Scotts standard height to eaves is 2.4m, and with a 25 degree roof pitch provides the perfect ridge height of 3.6m Check the air travelling through the window does not blow directly onto the horse. On a windy day this could cause muscle stiffness. Louvred windows can direct wind up into the box for better airflow. On windless days this type of window also works well with the stack effect the heat rising from the horse draws in fresh air from the outside as the warm air rises past the louvres Install a top door at the rear of the stable to increase the cross flow ventilation and keep the stable fresh
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 Steeper roof pitches form good resistance to wind currents and help promote ventilation in the box. Scotts employ their unique scissor trusses which offer increased space and headroom and therefore improved airflow inside Low roof pitches are prone to condensation and lack adequate air flow which will adversely effect the respiratory performance of the horse; they are also more likely to have corners, which encourage stagnant air A fully vented roof ridge can be added to the stable, as an additional feature, helping the wind passing over the ridge to create vortices that suck out some of the air from the box, increasing air movement within the box while not creating draughts. If this is not possible then a roof vent every two to three loose boxes should help Large overhangs create resistance to the wind hitting the wall of the building and the wind is deflected up into the soffit vents, increasing the ventilation rates within the stable. A 1.2m overhang is fitted as standard to a Scotts loose box Gable end vents provide cross ventilation and should be installed at the end of a stable block Dont forget your tack room. To keep tack in prime condition it is necessary to have good ventilation and heating needs to be at a constant temperature to protect the leather without drying. Blanket rooms should also have some degree of high-level cross-ventilation to remove the humidity in the air that has been extracted from the wet blankets. For more advice and further information please telephone 01832 732366. - See more at: http://www.scottsofthrapstonblog.co.uk/2010/06/ventilation-matters/#sthash.HhsIPasU.dpuf

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Ventilate Your Horse Barn

By Amy DeGeer Oberdorf

Dutch doors provide fresh air and are easy to install on most structures.
Do you keep your horse in a warm barn in the winter? If so, its important to bring in fresh, healthy air. Poor barn ventilation can make your horse ill, and some illnesses can even lead to death. Here, well first tell you how your barns polluted air can make your horse sick. Then well give you six ways you can improve your horse housings air quality in all seasons, whether youre updating an existing barn or building a new one. The Air in There From the rancid smell of ammonia from degrading urine, to the build-up of dusts, molds, and other pathogens from insufficient ventilation, your barn may be the reason for your horses respiratory difficulty. Poor ventilation can ultimately kill your horse, notes Brad Cumper, DVM, of Saginaw Valley Equine Clinic in Freeland, Michigan. He explains that the long-term effects of poor ventilation create a wide variety of respiratory disorders, some of which are fatal under the right conditions. There are three categories of airborne irritants that adversely affect horses: contact irritants; airborne allergens; and infectious agents. Heres a brief rundown on each one, courtesy of Dr. Crumper.

Contact irritants arent truly harmful by themselves, and invoke a mild inflammatory response
without an immune response. They become the trigger for the overproduction of mucus and constrict the lower airways. Once the noxious irritant is removed, airways quickly return to normal function. If irritants persist, the primary defense mechanism is weakened, exposing a vulnerable respiratory tract.

Airborne allergens molds, pollens, and proteins derived from plants, such as hay dust invoke a
mild to severe immune response. This may show up as periods of labored breathing, a chronic cough, and severe nasal discharge.

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Infectious agents bacteria, fungi, and viruses invoke a severe immune response and can
diminish your horses ability to defend himself by eroding the airways of his defense mechanisms. If infection overwhelms your horses immune system, he may become lethargic, have no appetite, become feverish, and display nasal discharge and/or a cough. A Healthy Design Heres how to clear the air, with design tips from Lorri Hayward of Hayward Designs in Lafayette, Georgia. Shes planned, designed and constructed equestrian facilities of all types and sizes for 20 years.

To increase air circulation in your barn, keep in mind that hot air rises and cool air falls, says Hayward. When trying to move and remove air, you want to pull fresh cool air in from below and pull hot air out from above. Heres how. Install ceiling fans. Install ceiling fans over the stalls, over the stall partitions, and down the center aisle. Position the fan blades to pull air up from the stalls. Install ventilated cupolas. Vented cupolas are basically air vents in the roof. Ventilated cupolas are equipped with an electric fan that pulls air out of the barn. Ventilated cupolas cost more money, but in the long run, its a critical feature to produce healthy airflow, says Hayward. Consider investing in a thermostatically controlled cupola that will turn on the fan when your barn reaches a certain temperature. Consider an air exchanger. Air exchangers replace stale, polluted air with clean, outside air thats filtered to remove pollens. The filter also removes moisture from the air, which can carry pollutants, and cause mold and mildew. It truly exchanges the air. Its a big expense, but its worth it, says Hayward. Vault the roof. If possible, leave open spaces in the pitch of the roof, especially over the stall areas. You want a volume of air above the horses, Hayward explains. Dont put ceilings over the horses. Instead, put a ceiling over the wash rack or tack stall and have vaulted ceilings over the horses. Install stall vents. Interior stall vents at the bottom of the stall front increase ventilation and air flow at the floor level and within the stalls, where air is typically still. Hayward recommends either grill or mesh on the bottom half of the stall, with a bedding guard on the bottom. If your horse has a turnout door, a full-sized, durable screen door with a bedding guard on the bottom will foster air circulation when inclement weather keeps him inside.

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Install Dutch doors. If direct turnouts arent an option, Hayward recommends Dutch doors that open to the outside, to allow outside air in.

Why Ventilation Is Important For Animals Being Transported By Road

Horse Information - Horse Articles PerformAir Aug 01|02:24 Last Updated on Friday, 23 November 2012 06:03

Modern cars come equipped with excellent air conditioning and heating systems, to ensure the utmost comfort during a journey. The benefits of these components in a long journey are self-evident and once you are used to them, it is hard to imagine travel without such luxuries. Animals being transported in trailers or floats are not so lucky. They are unable to close a window and block the stream of airborne dust, pollen and bugs that enters their air space during a journey. They cannot choose to have a travel break and get out of their vehicle. Their conditions are governed wholly by the transport and conditions we provide for them and, due to factors such as pollution and heat, often these conditions can cause stress, discomfort and illness. Luckily, just as our cars have been improved with air conditioning, we can improve the comfort of journeys for our animals through the use of proper ventilation. Training our horses, and ourselves, for competitive events and races requires a high degree of commitment and emotional investment. It is therefore imperative that, in order to do justice to the effort and time we have put into preparation for events and competitions, we enable ourselves and our animals to perform to the best of our abilities. Training, diet, exercise and grooming are all important factors in the run-up to a competition, but another vitally important part of successful preparation which is often underestimated is the transportation of animals to events. Research has shown that animal health is affected during transit and aspects to be considered include restraints, positioning, high density of animals and ventilation. Ventilation problems which arise are largely to do with heating (especially overheating) and pollution experienced during transit. In Elvira Curries study on improving the welfare of animals during transit, she asserts that transport is considered to be the greatest predisposing factor contributing to severe lower respiratory tract infection in horses with the respiratory system being affected by dehydration and pollution. Furthermore, Currie states research by Racklyeft, Raidal and Love in 2000 which found that strenuous exercise immediately after transport greatly increases the risk of respiratory infection. Therefore if your horse is suffering the effects of poor ventilation, affecting their respiratory system, it is inadvisable to let them go on to compete in any event.

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Health problems related to overheating in horses and other animals include shock, diarrhoea, kidney failure, muscle cramping and stiffness. It is clear that if your animal is suffering from any of these ill effects following a journey, they will not be able to do justice to their abilities and experience in competition. It is possible to empathise with our animals when it comes to comfortable and safe transportation. Would you want to run a race feeling dehydrated or having difficulty breathing? No; you would want to feel well-rested, well-prepared and at the top of your health. This is exactly what our animals need too. Ventilation must be effective to minimise the risks of dehydration and pollution. Ideally a ventilation system will provide greater air flow, filtered air and will not be affected by adverse weather conditions. Providing your horses with the optimum conditions for travel will ensure their comfort and health during a journey and will also help to ensure that your hard work and preparation for an event or race is not wasted. In addition to this, effective ventilation for your horse(s) during transport can save you from expensive veterinary bills, but most importantly, you will save your animals from discomfort, stress, pain and the possibility of long-term illness. Instead you can be sure that you and your horse will reach your destination on top form and ready to win! The reason for ensuring good ventilation for our animals during transit, be they horses, greyhounds or even alpacas, is to provide the best possible welfare for the creatures we have responsibility for, ensuring their comfort and well-being. Currently, standard ventilation methods tend to be straightforward windows and vents. There are a number of issues associated with these firstly, they can be affected by the weather as they may need to be shut against extreme conditions such as heavy rain and hail. Also, when rear vents such as doors are open, exhaust fumes can actually be sucked right into your animals trailer or float and through its air space. By keeping these doors open, you may seem to be doing the right thing, by providing a method of ventilation which is not directly adjacent to the exhaust outlet of a vehicle. However, the effects of air pressure when a vehicle gathers speed are such that the exhaust fumes will go underneath the trailer or float but will then be drawn in through the rear doors. {sidebar id=3}Animal welfare rules and guidelines address the issue of ventilation. The Department of Local Government and Regional Development for Western Australia has published a Code of Practice specifically for horse transportation which states that the air circulation in enclosed vehicles should be sufficient to prevent bacterial build-up and that a mechanical means of forcing the circulation of air may be necessary for enclosed vehicles. Another point made is that the exhaust system of the towing vehicle must not pollute the air inside the animals transport. As we have seen, current methods of ventilation do not necessarily prevent this from happening. RSPCA Australia advises that good ventilation is vital to avoid heatstroke; one of the factors it attributes heatstroke to is lack of acclimatisation to heat. This is a potential problem during transport as the float or trailer could become heated quickly, particularly on a hot day or if there are a number of animals contained within. When the ambient temperature outside is 22C, the temperature in a vehicle can rise to over 47C within 60 minutes. Clearly this is going to cause severe problems for animals within vehicles but through ensuring effective ventilation, risks are reduced greatly. For those animals, such as dogs, which cool down via evaporative cooling (panting), adequate airflow is
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required. It is clear from the emphasis placed on the importance of ventilation during animal transport by the above authorities that this is a critical area when it comes to the safe and humane transport of horses, alpacas, greyhounds, and any other animals which are subject to travelling in similar conditions. By planning ahead and exploring the options available for suitable ventilation you will keep your animals healthy, happy and in the best condition to event, race, or just enjoy life to the full. Comment on this article using the Comment Function below. Discuss this article with other users on the Horse Forums. Got News? Send your news stories and press releases to the HorseYard News Desk.

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Equestrian Facility Planning and Design Considerations

by Gralla Architects Site considerations | Image | Health and Safety | General construction issues | Making barn life easier Generalization does not lend itself well to barn building because of the tremendous number of variables in any project: purpose, budget, image, climate, available material and labor, personal preferences, future plans, and so on. These variables make good planning critical to the overall success of the project. "Planning is as important to the person who owns one or two horses as it is to the big breeder," states Todd Gralla of Gralla Architects, a firm that specializes in equestrian design. "It's about thinking through what you want in your facility and then figuring out the best way to get it. The idea is to build what is cost-effective, what gives you the best quality for your money, and what avoids doing something that will cost you a lot more later on." All of the barn problems that plague horse owners can be resolved. Some of the solutions are inexpensive. Many are not. But remember, all of them are much more cost-efficient if they are solved before the barn is built. Site considerations: A horse barn's site position should be given careful consideration. For example, the barn's orientation to wind and sun should be considered. The ideal is to capture summer breezes for their cooling effect while avoiding the winter wind. Roofs can be designed to take advantage of the sun's heat in the winter, with overhangs planned to provide shade for a cooling effect during the summer. Trees are to be treasured as a design tool to provide shade, to serve as windbreaks, and to screen private areas. Good water drainage is also essential for maintaining a healthy stable, as standing water and marshy areas are breeding grounds for insects and disease. (Top of page)

Image: Although some horse people like to be dirt-plain and practical, others prefer their facility to say something special about them. For example, a trainer might want fancy finish materials and brass fittings to project a successful image or imply that the horses there fetch a premium price, while the therapeutic riding instructor might be more concerned with projecting the notion of safety and security. "Image can be a preliminary goal," Gralla notes, "and one that is important to recognize as you plan and budget. Your image goal will guide many of your choices including architectural style, building materials, interior fittings, and equipment." (Top of page) Health and Safety: Given the fact that a horse can injure himself in ways his owner never dreamed of, it is basic safe practice to eliminate sharp edges, fire hazards, and the potential for sickness or disease with attention to detail.

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Barns with inadequate natural ventilation are a major cause of respiratory problems in horses as dust, odors, and germs cause air to stagnate and become unhealthy. In designing any horse barn, Gralla considers good natural ventilation to be one of the most important features. The principle of natural ventilation is not a complex one. Hot air naturally rises (think of a chimney). The problem occurs in making sure that air has a place to escape and that fresh air is continually pulled into the structure. "The barn roof pitch is a critical element here," states Gralla. A 6-12 pitch is recommended, meaning that for every 12 inches of length there are 6 inches of rise. This steeply pitched roof creates an inverted funnel effect, in which the hot, dirty air is forced toward the peak or ridge of the roof. You must allow the air to escape. The ridge vent is one of the most common and economical means to open the ridge of the roof. The continuous ridge vent spans the entire peak of the barn and is always open. "We try to avoid mechanical ridge vents that open and close because they usually fail within a few years and are continuous maintenance problems," Gralla states. Clerestory vents and cupolas are other popular choices for good roof ventilation. Clerestory vents are larger structural components of the roof system which utilize a louver system to allow air to escape while keeping things like weather and birds out. They are capable of moving an enormous amount of air. Cupolas, contrary to typical modern uses, are not merely decorative embellishments. They are an excellent means by which to move hot air, allow natural light into the barn, and project an upscale image all at once. Unfortunately, most preengineered building companies offer grossly undersized versions which are usually not even open to allow air flow. Now that there are openings at the top of the barn, how do you get air moving? One of the best methods is to have each stall equipped with a second door that opens to the outside. Dutch doors work well when the top half is opened, but an even better option is to install full mesh or grill doors. (In cold climates glass doors glazed with Plexiglas can be used on the outside of the mesh doors to allow light even during poor weather.) In addition, Gralla likes to use these mesh doors on the inside of the barn to improve interior air circulation. The openings in the mesh should be no larger than two inches square to prevent hooves and other things from getting caught, and the steel used should be at least 3/16" in diameter to prevent damage. "Full-view doors and stall fronts not only provide better ventilation, they allow more natural light infiltration and also make it more convenient to see what your horses are doing (especially in a broodmare operation)," Gralla said. Plenty of natural light is also of vital importance in barn raising horses. Many of those features that improve ventilation also improve natural lighting. "For example, the outer stall doors, cupolas with windows, clerestory vents, and open front stalls all allow light to flow freely throughout the structure," Gralla stated. In addition, Gralla uses glass or partial glass alley doors (Plexiglas-glazed for safety) which, in his words, "really open the barn up, regardless of weather conditions." Another important consideration in horse barns is flooring. From limestone screenings and blue clay to concrete and rubber brick, there are literally hundreds of different flooring options for barns. For stalls, Gralla prefers a product called popcorn asphalt. The asphalt is laid hot and hand-tamped, not packed. When it cools, voids similar to those in lava rock allow liquids
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to flow through to the subsurface drain system. When stalls are planned for heavy use, Gralla usually installs a trench drain at one end of the stall and often uses a rubber mat system. The trench drains should have a catch basin and basket for occasional cleaning, and all mat joints should be sealed to prevent bacteria from developing beneath the mats. Rubber bricks are a good choice for wash and veterinary areas. They are very durable, non-slip, flexible, can be sterilized, and come in a wide variety of colors. These areas should also include a well-designed drain system to avoid blockage and overflow. In alleys, Gralla has used many products, from limestone screenings to paving brick. "Many times it's a matter of budget," states Gralla. "While paving bricks or rubber brick may be preferred, it may simply cost too much for an area as large as the alley." A good choice is popcorn asphalt. It is relatively inexpensive, non-slip, and allows for some flow-through drainage. If you plan to wash or groom horses in the alley, it's a good idea to include floor drains for easy cleaning. Fire safety is also important, although it is often overlooked when barns are built. Masonry and steel are not combustible; however, there are many other things within a barn that are, such as paint, equipment, electrical wiring, and more. There is no such thing as a fireproof barn. Even if your budget does not allow for masonry or steel construction, you can use wood products that have been treated to be fire-retardant. This doesn't make the structure fireproof, but it will slow the spread of fire. You should also be careful to follow building codes regarding electrical work to prevent the risk of electrical fire (keep in mind that codes should be considered a minimum requirement). In addition, Gralla recommends that his clients never store bulk hay in buildings where animals reside. Loft hay storage is not only a serious fire hazard, it also hinders the ability to maximize natural ventilation. General construction issues: Over the past 28 years, Gralla has used a variety of construction materials for barn structures, ranging from wood to pre-cast concrete. Experience has shown that masonry construction is an excellent choice for safety and reduction of long-term maintenance. While the initial expense is slightly higher than most other types of construction, the long-term cost savings far outweigh the difference. Masonry will give you peace-of-mind for decades. If masonry is used, the stall walls should be filled solid with concrete up to a minimum of four feet high to prevent the risk of kick-through. "Part of the beauty of masonry construction is the option of having bull-nosed, or rounded, corners," says Gralla. "This eliminates sharp corners associated with most other types of construction so the potential for injuries and cribbing is reduced." Another great quality of masonry construction is that you can achieve whatever image or appearance you wish. The surface can be faced with wood or brick veneer, stucco, dry-vit, and other materials to fit your image goal. If you choose to paint your masonry, Gralla recommends using an epoxy paint which is very durable and cleans easily. A good rule of thumb for all barns, regardless of construction materials, is to recess all faucets, electrical switches, and outlets. This will prevent them from damage and injury. It's also a good idea to use electrical outlet face plates with hinged covers, which will prevent moisture and other elements from eventually destroying the outlets. As with any other type of structure, there are many roofing options for horse barns. However, budget, ease of maintenance, and appearance are the most important factors. A good all-around choice for any budget is metal roofing,
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either panels or standing seam. Even the lowest cost metal roofing should last a minimum of 30 years, while other types will have been totally replaced within that time frame and are sure to need periodic repairs. Over the last decade, metal roofing has seen more advancements than almost any other construction material. There is a very wide variety of styles available from traditional ribbed panels and standing seam to styles that give the appearance of slate or clay tiles. The color selection is also very diverse, and today's coatings are very resistant to aging and ultraviolet fading. When Gralla uses metal roofing, he either fastens it to plywood decking or uses rigid insulation to help eliminate noise and also the potential for minor damage. Rigid insulation is a good choice for its obvious insulating qualities, and birds will not remove it or nest in it. It should be one inch thick. Making barn life easier: Keeping even a few horses happy and healthy is not always the dream we thought it would be. And if you've got a barnful, it can be a time-consuming venture. But here are a few ideas that will make your work more pleasurable. Almost all barns have a feed room. Even if the feed room is near the end of the barn, it is a good idea to consider a four-foot wide external access door. This will make feed and supply deliveries much easier and efficient as the truck can pull up and unload directly into the feed room. "We're also proponents of automatic insect spray systems to keep flies down. They're very inexpensive and cost-efficient," said Gralla. "As a labor-saving device, we really like to use automatic waterers even in our pastures. Many of our clients have been using them for over 15 years without any trouble or major maintenance. Of course you do have to clean them periodically. They have their own thermostat so in the winter they will not freeze and the horses always have fresh water. Some clients don't like waterers because they can't tell how much their horses are drinking. We understand this, but they are great labor-savers." "We also prefer sliding stall doors over swinging doors," says Gralla. Swinging doors tend to get in the way of other activities and are not as easy to open and close when you have horse in hand." Sliding doors will still fully open even if there is a tractor parked or horse tied in the alley. One functional feature Gralla repeats in many barn designs is a combination grooming area, wash stall, and veterinary treatment stocks. The approximate 12 by 24-foot area is open at each short end. A very functional circulation pattern. The stock enclosure in the center makes it possible to work safely with difficult horses such as kickers and vets really like them. Gralla positions counters and cabinets in the corners of this area to eliminate sharp edges that could cause injury. In addition, the floor is usually equipped rubber mats or pavers and a trench drain. These are only a few hints and tips to create a horse barn that will stand the test of time, save labor, and prevent injury. More information and articles are available on the firm's internet site at www.grallaarchitects.com. Gralla Architects has been in the business of planning and designing equestrian dreams since 1973. The firm has completed more than 340 equestrian facilities across North America, Mexico, and Southeast Asia ranging from Class I thoroughbred racetracks and multi-million dollar show facilities to commercial breeding/training operations and personal stables with as few as three stalls. The firm regularly gives presentations on equestrian planning and design at events such as Equitana USA,

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Racehorse America, Equine America, the American Horse Council Convention, and the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) Convention; and have been the focus of over 100 equestrian publication articles. In addition, the principals of the firm operate a 360-acre Thoroughbred farm in Lexington, Oklahoma and are actively involved in showing, racing, and polo.

Information on this page courtesy/copyright 2000, 2001 Gralla Architects International Equine Facility Planning and Design www.grallaarchitects.com or call 405-527-7000

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