The use of velocity traverses to measure in-situ air flow rate of ventilation fans can be subject to significant errors. The Fan Assessment Numeration System (FANS) was developed by the USD-ARS Southern Poultry Research Laboratory and refined at the University of Kentucky to measure air flow of fans in-situ. The procedures for using the FANS unit to test fans in-situ are not completely standardized. This study evaluated the effect of operating fan positions relative to the FANS unit for ten 1.22 m diameter fans in two types of poultry barns, with fans placed immediately next to each other and 1.6 m apart. Fans were tested with the FANS unit placed near both the intake and discharge sides of the tested fans. Data were analyzed as two Generalized Randomized Complete Block designs (GRCB), with a 2 (FANS inside or outside) x 6 (operating fan combinations) factorial arrangement of treatments. Results showed significant differences as much as 12.6 ± 4.4% between air flow values obtained under conditions of different operating fan combinations. Placing the FANS unit outside provided valid fan test results. A standardized procedure for using the FANS unit to test fans in-situ was elaborated and presented in this work.

The aim of the study was to analyse the current supply chain in relation to the influence of suppliers, infrastructure, market, production process and distribution of products on sustainability of small-scale poultry producers at Ratlou Local Municipality, North West Province. The research also investigated how skills and knowledge of farmers contribute to sustainable operation of small-scale poultry farming, and socio-economic benefit of the farmers in the study area. All the seventy small-scale poultry producers for operating and non-operating farms or projects in the Municipality were interviewed. A structured interview was used to collect data which was captured and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24. About 41.4 % of small-scale poultry projects were no longer operating, only 52.9 % were functional and 5.7 % were operating during certain seasons. The results of the study further revealed that 91.4 % of small-scale poultry farmers in Municipality did not know the name of the chicken breed they were using on their farms. The results reveal adequate availability of infrastructure such as access to electricity, tarred roads and telecommunication networks. The results of the Logit regression analysis revealed that the Logit coefficient estimates associated with payment level, credit availability, chick and feed suppliers made significant (p < 0.05) contribution towards sustainability of the small-scale poultry farm. The aforementioned variables may serve as bases for informed policy decisions aimed at ensuring sustainability of small-scale poultry production in the municipality. The current study identified the need for establishment for a proper integrated supply chain for small-scale poultry farmers. / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M. Sc. (Agriculture)