💡 Engineering Summary: Tunnel Ventilation Efficiency
- Higher Stocking Density: Enclosed tunnel houses allow stocking densities up to 38 kg/m² compared to only 20 kg/m² in open-sided curtain sheds.
- Static Pressure Target: Maintain negative static pressure between 0.05 and 0.10 inches of water column (12–25 Pa) when sidewall inlets are active to ensure fresh air shoots to the peak of the ceiling before mixing down to bird level.
1. Open-Sided vs. Enclosed Tunnel Houses
| Housing System Feature | Open-Sided Curtain House | Climate-Controlled Tunnel House |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Outlay | Low ($15 – $25 / m²) | Moderate to High ($50 – $90 / m²) |
| Environmental Control | Dependent on ambient weather | 100% automated climate control |
| Stocking Density | 12 – 15 birds / m² | 18 – 22 birds / m² |
| FCR Performance | 1.65 – 1.80 (Seasonal fluctuation) | 1.45 – 1.55 (Consistent year-round) |
2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between open-sided and tunnel ventilated poultry houses?
Open-sided houses rely on sidewall curtain drops and natural wind breezes. Tunnel-ventilated houses are enclosed climate-controlled structures using large end-wall exhaust fans and wet cooling pads to generate high-velocity wind-chill air currents.