Environmental Conditions in Equine Indoor Arenas: A Descriptive Study.
Abstract: Indoor arenas do not always include mechanical ventilation or stirring fans and occupancy by horses and humans can be sporadic and inconsistent, which creates a challenging space for understanding and predicting variations in temperature, moisture, and airflow. To understand the interior environment within indoor arenas, monitoring was conducted at 15 facilities within 200 kilometres of Lexington, KY. Environmental monitoring of dry bulb temperature, relative humidity, dew point temperature, air speeds, and solar radiation took place over 7 days in the winter and summer to examine temporal variability. Environmental data was collected every 5 minutes using the HOBO RX3000 Remote Monitoring Station with the HOBOnet Temp/RH Sensor, HOBOnet Solar Radiation (Silicon Pyranometer) Sensor, and HOBOnet Ultrasonic Wind Speed and Direction Sensor. Clear seasonal differences and diurnal patterns were evident in all environmental conditions, but the relative humidity. The relative humidity and dew point temperatures indicated moisture could be an issue in many of the indoor arenas. High relative humidity and excess moisture can negatively impact horse and human health as well as the lifespan of the facility. Similar results to previous spatial variability indoor arena characterizations were observed during the environmental monitoring with air speeds being below the threshold for still air in livestock facilities (0.51 m/s). Sensor technology and implementation provides a better understanding of the interior environment and how indoor arena design can impact it.
Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Publication Date: 2024-08-16 PubMed ID: 39154968DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105165Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This study investigates the environmental conditions inside equine indoor arenas and how they differ across seasons, specifically addressing temperature, humidity, and airflow. This research has implications for the health of both horses and humans, as well as the longevity of the indoor facilities.
Methodology of the Study
- Indoor arenas for equine activities were analyzed in this study, focusing on those facilities not equipped with mechanical ventilation or stirring fans.
- These spaces often have inconsistent occupancy by horses and humans, which makes it difficult to predict variations in their internal environment.
- The research was conducted in Lexington, KY, USA, spanning 15 facilities within a distance of 200 kilometres.
- Environmental monitoring was performed over seven days during both winter and summer, tracking and analyzing variables such as dry bulb temperature, relative humidity, dew point temperature, air speeds, and solar radiation.
- Data was collected every 5 minutes using reputed industrial-grade monitoring equipment for accuracy and precision.
Findings of the Study
- The study found clear seasonal differences and diurnal (day/night) patterns in all investigated environmental conditions, except relative humidity.
- Relative humidity and dew point temperatures hinted at potential moisture issues in many of the indoor arenas.
- Excessive moisture and high relative humidity can prove detrimental to horse and human health, and even negatively affect the longevity of the facility.
- The findings of the study were akin to the spatial variability observed in previous investigations of indoor arena environments, particularly with the below-threshold air speeds for still air in livestock facilities.
Implications of the Study
- The implementation and data gathered from sensor technology used in the study provide crucial insights into the internal environment of equine indoor arenas.
- This information is key to comprehending how the design of these indoor arenas can influence their interior environment.
- With the gathered knowledge, modifications in design can be made in existing and future indoor arenas for a safer, healthier environment for horses and humans alike.
Cite This Article
APA
McGill S, Coleman R, Hayes M.
(2024).
Environmental Conditions in Equine Indoor Arenas: A Descriptive Study.
J Equine Vet Sci, 105165.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105165 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Martin College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, University of Kentucky, 128 C.E. Barnhart Building Lexington, KY, 40546.
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Martin College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, University of Kentucky, 900 W.P. Garrigus Building Lexington, KY, 40546. Electronic address: rcoleman@email.uky.edu.
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Martin College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, University of Kentucky, 128 C.E. Barnhart Building Lexington, KY, 40546.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interest or personal relationships that could appear to influence the work reported in this paper.
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