Humidity is an important factor for animal welfare and agricultural production. It refers to the amount of moisture or water vapor in the air. In livestock buildings, humidity must be carefully monitored and maintained within a specific range to ensure animal health and well-being. A humidity sensor is an electronic device that measures and reports the relative humidity (RH) level in an environment.

dol-sensors is a leading manufacturer of humidity sensors specially designed for the harsh conditions found in livestock houses. Our sensors are known for their accuracy, reliability, and durability.

Three Types of Humidity Sensors

We have innovated, designed, and manufactured the following three types of humidity sensors:

1. DOL 104 Humidity Sensor

The DOL 104 Humidity Sensor is a single-point sensor that measures relative humidity levels. It is easy to install and requires minimal maintenance. The DOL 104 Humidity Sensor is also compatible with most farm controllers.

2. DOL 114 Humidity and Temperature Sensor

The DOL 114 Humidity and Temperature Sensor is a dual-point sensor that measures both relative humidity and temperature. This sensor is ideal for applications where both humidity and temperature levels need to be monitored. The DOL 114 is easy to install and requires minimal maintenance.

3. DOL 139 Humidity, Temperature, and Carbon Dioxide Sensor

The DOL 139 Humidity, Temperature, and CO₂ Sensor is a three-point sensor that measures relative humidity, temperature, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels. This sensor is ideal for applications requiring indoor air quality monitoring, such as livestock houses, greenhouses, and other industrial environments.

Air quality has always shaped poultry, but today it plays an even bigger role in flock performance, welfare, and overall farm efficiency. As production becomes more intensive and expectations for animal well-being rise, maintaining good barn air is no longer just a management task - it's a strategic advantage.

The Hidden Impact of Air

Poultry barns naturally generate dust, moisture, and gases like ammonia and CO₂. When ventilation or climate control slips, these elements build up quickly and begin to affect the birds long before visible symptoms appear.

Poor air quality can lead to:

• Slower growth and reduced feed efficiency
• Higher susceptibility to respiratory infections
• Increased stress and uneven flock behavior
• Wet litter and higher ammonia levels
• Greater need for interventions and treatments

Even small deviations in air quality can quietly erode performance across an entire flock.

Why Air Quality Matters More Today

Modern poultry production demands tighter environmental control than ever, and that makes good barn air a crucial part of flock management. Higher stocking densities generate more heat, moisture, and gases in the same space, while today's fast-growing genetics leave birds more sensitive to even small environmental stressors. Welfare expectations call for stable and predictable conditions throughout the entire production cycle, and economic pressure means every point of feed conversion and every ounce of weight gain matters. Air quality isn't just a comfort factor - it has become a core driver of both flock welfare and overall profitability.

Understanding Agricultural CO2 Sensors

Agricultural CO2 sensors are pivotal tools in the realm of modern farming. These devices measure the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, providing invaluable data for farmers and farm managers.

Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, a process that fuels their growth. Monitoring CO2 levels in a closed environment such as a greenhouse ensures that crops have an optimal environment to thrive, leading to better yields and healthier produce.

For animals, it is extremely important to maintain a low CO2 level in the atmosphere inside the livestock house. Animals are dependent on oxygen and carbon dioxide in high concentrations can give them difficulty breathing, descrease production and even raise mortality.

The Evolution of CO2 Monitoring in Agriculture

The journey of CO2 monitoring in agriculture is a testament to human ingenuity. In the early days, farmers relied on rudimentary methods and intuition to gauge the health of their crops and livestock. However, as technology advanced, so did the methods of monitoring. The introduction of CO2 sensors revolutionized farming, allowing for precision agriculture. These advancements meant that farmers could now get real-time data, leading to more informed decisions and improved crop yields and production outcomes.

Installing and Maintaining Your Agricultural CO2 Sensors

Proper installation and maintenance of agricultural CO2 sensors are crucial for accurate readings.

How to install your sensor depends on the sensors, but normally the sensor needs to be placed away from direct sunlight or any artificial light sources. Ensure the area around the sensor is well-ventilated to avoid skewed readings.

Maintaining your CO2 sensor also depends on which sensor you choose, but most sensors will need calibration and cleaning from dust and debris once in a while.

Interpreting Data and Making Informed Decisions

Data from CO2 sensors can be a treasure trove of insights, but understanding and interpreting this data correctly is paramount for its effective utilization.

To see the data from your CO2 sensor you will most likely have to connect it to some kind of controller. In livestock production the CO2 sensors are connected to a farm controller that show the farm manager updated and historical data from the sensor.