Penn State Extension
Penn State Extension
News Gypsum recycled from manufacturing and construction waste has gained popularity as a bedding source for the dairy industry. More
Articles Horse Farm Design: An Agricultural Engineering Approach
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
Research-based information for the planning and construction of well-designed equestrian facilities. More
Articles Resources for Ventilation of Livestock Housing
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
Information on Ventilation systems available at Penn State More
Articles Animal Welfare Objectives for Dairy Facility Design
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
This article provides a simplified context for animal welfare in relation to engineering design features of dairy housing. More
Articles Use Personal Gas Monitors to Avoid Exposure to Toxic Hydrogen Sulfide
Dan Hofstetter, Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D., Michael Pate, Ph.D.
Gas monitoring is always recommended when working around toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide. Fortunately, affordable portable personal gas monitors are available for on-farm use. More
Articles Safety Risk from Manure Storages of Dairy Cows Bedded with Gypsum
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D., Michael Hile, Dan Hofstetter
Findings from on-farm monitoring of dairies using gypsum as stall bedding show a link has been found to highly toxic levels of hydrogen sulfide gas during manure movement and agitation. More
Articles Manure Additive Shows Swine Odor Reduction
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
The control of manure odors is an issue of such complexity that it requires a combination of control strategies. More
News A new website is a "one-stop shop" for dairy sustainability information. More
Articles Temperature and Humidity in Indoor Riding Arenas during Cold Weather
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
Improved rider, instructor, and horse comfort and health may be improved with fresh air entry and distribution within the arena. More
Articles Horse Riding Arena Dust Measurements
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
Dust is the primary nuisance associated with riding arena use. More
Articles Horse Stall Design
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
The stall is the basic functional unit of a horse stable or shelter by providing a suitable environment for the horse and handler. More
Articles Horse Stable Manure Management
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
A complete manure management system involves collection, storage (temporary or long term), and disposal or utilization. More
Articles Fire Safety in Horse Stables
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
Fire damage to horse stables can be minimized or prevented through building techniques, fire detection, and management practices. More
Articles Horse Stable Flooring Materials and Drainage
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
Choose suitable floors for a horse facility to maintain fitness of a horse's legs and feet. More
Articles Riding Arena Footing Material Selection and Management
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
A "perfect" riding surface should be cushioned, provide traction, not too slick or dusty, not overly abrasive to horse hooves, inexpensive and easy to maintain. More
Articles Ammonia Monitoring in Barns Using Simple Instruments
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
This article describes simple relatively-inexpensive instruments for detecting ammonia gas concentration in animal housing to assure proper air quality. More
Articles Psychrometric Chart Use
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
A psychrometric chart presents properties of air in a graphical format useful for troubleshooting greenhouse or livestock building environmental problems. More
Articles Ventilation Improvements for Veal Calf Housing
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
This article explains how adding a second and third large baffle inlet assembly to a 50-calf room can provide hot weather ventilation. More
Articles Make Your Own Ceiling Inlet Air Speed Monitors
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
Ventilation inlet air speed monitors described here are a cheap and easy way to assess proper ventilation in livestock buildings. More
Articles Self-Adjusting Baffle Inlet to Improve Air Distribution
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D., Dan McFarland
This article explains how to improve ventilation in animal buildings through a self-adjusting baffle inlet. More
Articles Ventilating Greenhouse Livestock Barns
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
Effective natural ventilation of a greenhouse barn uses properly positioned openings with unobstructed air flow inside the building. More
Articles Selecting Rated Ventilation Fans
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
This article explains how to select an agricultural ventilation fan for the conditions under which it will be operating in a livestock or greenhouse setting. More
Articles Inlets for Mechanical Ventilation Systems in Animal Housing
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
Properly designed and functioning ventilation inlet openings are key for achieving comfortable, fresh air conditions in farm animal housing. More
Articles Fence Planning for Horses
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
Horse fence can be one of the most attractive features of a horse facility. But not all fence is suitable for horses. More
Articles Horse Stable Ventilation
Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), Ph.D.
Inadequate ventilation is the most common mistake made in modern horse facilities. The objective of ventilation is to get fresh air to the horse. More