Temperature and moisture conditions in livestock buildings in Northern Europe

From August 1993 to December 1995 a survey of the temperature and moisture conditions was carried out in 329 livestock buildings in Northern Europe. Mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values of dry bulb air temperature and relative humidity (RH) in cattle, pig and poultry houses were measured over 24 h in each building. Indoor air temperature and RH were generally in agreement with recommended values with few adverse consequences for health or production. Nevertheless, high air temperatures occurred occasionally in summer, indicating the limits of control of temperature in mechanically ventilated buildings. Naturally ventilated houses were more influenced by the prevailing climate. (C) 1998 Silsoe Research Institute.