Aerosol deposition rates were investigated in a newly built swine grower-finisher facility over a 12-week period (approximate production cycle of 55 to 220 lb (25 to 100 kg/body mass per pig). Aerosol deposition rates decreased dramatically as the height above the floor increased because of a particle size effect. Aerosol deposition rates were related with animal activity levels demonstrated at the beginning and the end of the production cycle and with animal weight demonstrated during the period of weeks three through nine. Measured aerosol deposition rates could depend largely on a sampling period at lower levels of the air space due to unexpected disturbances such as samplers displaced by animals and water splash. It appeared that measured deposition rates of small particles at higher levels of the air space may accelerate as aerosols accumulate and particles were apparently not resuspended once they settled down unless disturbed.

KEYWORDS: aerosols, piggeries, farm animal housing, animal housing, air quality, indoor, air pollution, particles, activity, animals, measuring, sampling, ventilation, recirculating.