Development of Predictive Equations for Thermal Conductivity of Compost Bedding

Among animal facilities, compost-bedded pack (CBP) barns have attracted a lot of attention from milk producers and the scientific community. Systematic investigation main thermal properties utilizing sawdust in CBP is environmental economic relevance. In this paper, aim was to (a) develop predictive equations for conductivity (k) compost bedding as function moisture content (MC), degree compaction (DCo), particle size (PS); (b) investigate links between k depth within material. Samples materials were collected 42 commercial distributed throughout Kentucky (USA). From these equations, it possible understand how MC, DCo, PS may influence behavior k. These results are very useful solving obstacles simulate predict variable outcomes process barns, allowing its optimization, consequently reducing time energy spent on their optimization simulation assessment modifications. The current study important implications design management bedded barns.