Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of the Indoor Microclimate of an Enriched-colony Side Ventilated Commercial Layer House in Southern Ontario

The microclimate inside a layer house is critical to the well-being and egg production performance of laying hens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach in simulating the indoor temperature and velocity inside an enriched-colony layer barn. While the current investigation focuses on an empty barn case, it establishes baseline data and conditions, providing a foundation for future numerical model improvements to incorporate the effects of a fully populated layer house. The results of this study could support the assessment of alternative ventilation schemes, including adjustments to the position and number of inlet baffles and exhaust fans, as well as the addition of inlet flaps and evaporative cooling pads, using airflow and temperature distribution patterns in layer houses.