Large scale poultry broiler houses create a lot of heat. They also generate dust, moisture, and gases that can be harmful for poultry and humans if not removed. For both reasons, adequate broiler house ventilation is vital.

There are a number of methods for cooling a poultry house and maintaining air exchange. One of the most common methods is tunnel ventilation.

What Is Tunnel Ventilation?

A tunnel ventilation system works in a simple fashion: large exhaust fans are installed on the rear gable or wall of a broiler house and air inlets are installed on the opposite side of the building.

The large exhaust fans push air out of the building, creating negative pressure. In response, air is pulled into the building through the inlets on the opposite wall. This allows for steady airflow across the entire broiler house. The airflow creates a cooling breeze for poultry while continually bringing in fresh air.

Benefits of Tunnel Ventilation

Tunnel ventilated poultry farms offer several advantages over other methods of ventilation and cooling. These range from versatile options to lower costs.

Increased Airflow Versus Other Ventilation Methods

Tunnel ventilation works on a similar principle as wind tunnels. The only major difference is the velocity of the airflow.

Traditional curtain-sided poultry houses use air inlets along both sides of the house. Exhaust fans then push this air out. However, the air entering the building through this method quickly loses its velocity. You can imagine this as multiple smaller “streams” of air being pulled in and quickly spreading out across the interior of the building.

By comparison, tunnel ventilation acts more like a water jet. Large exhaust fans push air out one end of the house, while air is pulled through inlets on the opposite side. The flow of air is more direct and linear. This stronger flow creates better cooling and indoor/outdoor air exchange.

Highly Versatile Cooling Options

Tunnel ventilation provides adequate broiler house cooling in most climates, but in very warm climates it may not be enough. Fortunately, one of its greatest advantages is its high level of adaptability.

Existing tunnel ventilation can be modified by installing an evaporative cooling system. Cooling pads installed in front of air inlets will quickly lower the temperature of outside air coming into the barn. However, evaporative cooling is less effective in higher humidity and may not be ideal for every climate.

Lower Installation And Energy Costs Compared To Air Conditioning

Installing an air conditioning system inside of a broiler house or other type of livestock barn is effective, but costly. Initial installation expenses will be high. The cost of operating the system, particularly for larger buildings, can also be a significant financial burden.

On the other hand, tunnel ventilation offers a lower installation cost and generally requires less power to operate. When adding evaporative cooling to the system, it can even closely compete with traditional air conditioning while maintaining lower operating costs.

Poultry Ventilation Systems From Farmer Boy

From industrial exhaust fans to evaporative cooling systems, Farmer Boy has everything poultry producers need for broiler house ventilation.

Shop our online inventory of barn ventilation systems, equipment, and supplies. If you’re planning a new broiler house build or a retrofit project, give us a call at 1-800-845-3374 to learn more about our construction services.