Name: RH/TEMP Monitoring Data Logger 

Cost: around CAD$120 

Available at the manufacturer’s website and on Amazon

How does it work?

Temperature and relative humidity data loggers operate by continuously measuring and recording both temperature and humidity levels within a specified environment. The device typically includes built-in sensors to detect changes in temperature and humidity. These sensors collect data at regular intervals, which is then stored in the device’s memory. Some data loggers might have additional features like alarms. These alarms can be programmed to trigger when temperature or humidity readings go beyond set thresholds, notifying users of potential issues in the monitored environment. Once the data logging period is complete or when the device is retrieved, users can connect the data logger to a computer or a compatible device using a USB connection or wireless technology. This allows them to download the recorded data and analyze it using dedicated software provided by compatible applications. The software may provide graphical representations, charts, and reports to help users visualize and interpret the collected data effectively.

Intended use

Temperature and relative humidity data loggers find applications in various fields, including industrial processes, agriculture, healthcare, food storage, environmental monitoring, and research. Designed for both indoor and outdoor applications, they help ensure compliance with regulations, quality control standards, and optimal conditions for various processes and products. The device continuously measures temperature and humidity levels in a given area. By generating detailed data reports, they empower users to analyze trends and make informed decisions regarding intended environmental temperature and humidity. 

Examples of temperature regulatory compliance 

1. The effectiveness of a vaccine relies on its storage solution, given that precise temperatures are often necessary. Even a slight deviation can severely compromise its efficacy or, in the worst case, make it ineffective. According to the WHO, over 50 percent of vaccines might be lost annually worldwide due to challenges in temperature control, logistics, and shipping. Some vaccines are required to be stored in a fridge at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C while some require freezer storage to maintain temperatures at –20°C.
2. Start Clean – Stay Clean® is a Canadian egg industry’s food safety program that helps ensure that all eggs produced are safe, fresh, and of the highest quality. There are over 100 elements assessed and scored as part of the Start Clean-Stay Clean® program in the egg industry. Farmers are required to meet six critical control elements (biosecurity, egg collection and storage, facility hygiene, pest control, record keeping, and safe, high-quality food for Canadians) and achieve an overall score of at least 90% in order to pass the program audit. Farmers are required to fill out various records on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. These encompass a variety of aspects such as temperature, water analysis, sanitation, and more. Here are some examples of the items farmers are required to meet to maintain their certification. 

1. Barn temperature is maintained between 10°C and 27°C as per animal care guidelines. New codes require recording outdoor temperatures to monitor potential indoor spikes beyond 27°C. Such spikes can induce heat stress in animals, prompting producers to lower indoor temperatures as needed.
2. Eggs must be held at temperatures at or below 7ºC.

In all the situations mentioned, a data logger device can be employed to monitor temperature and humidity levels.

Using the device

To use temperature and relative humidity data loggers follow the following steps:

1. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the required software.
2. Connect the device (logger) to the USB port on your PC and open the software.
3. Follow the on-screen wizard to name the logger and select the frequency of data read by the logger. The frequency of data reading can be selected from 15 seconds all the way to one hour. A 15-minute data reading frequency is usually recommended for optimum logger storage time.
4. In the software, you can set high and low alarms for environmental temperature and relative humidity. 
5. After completing the software fields, remove the logger from the PC. Try not to leave your data logger in the USB port for extended periods as this will cause some of the battery capacity to be lost.
6. Replace the plastic cap to protect the USB and connect the probe to the jack socket. Your logger is now ready to be placed in its environment.
7. If you are using a data logger to monitor a fridge (for example for vaccine protection) or a freezer, you will need to connect the probe to a glycol liquid container and put the container in the fridge or freezer. You do not need to put the entire log into the fridge or freezer. They have a magnetic clip so they can be fixed to the outside of the fridge or freezer and just the glycol probe can go inside.
8. Depending on the type of logger, collected data can be transferred to a PC using USB, Cloud system, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi.
9. The collected data can be graphed, printed, and exported to other applications for detailed analysis (picture 1).
10. Ultimately, the compiled temperature and humidity data serves as a valuable resource for conducting comprehensive environmental audits within a designated area. Additionally, this data aids in identifying the underlying causes of any pertinent issues or concerns.

References

• Egg Farmers of Canada. Start Clean-Stay Clean® (Link)
• Egg Farmers of Canada. Animal Care Program. Start Clean-Stay Clean®. On-farm requirements. (Link)
• Marshall, K. 2016. Handling and storing of poultry vaccines. Poultry World. (Link)
• The Regulatory Services Division of Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (AAFRD). (Link)

Author Profile

Mohammad Afrouziyeh

Livestock Research Program Officer at RDAR - Results Driven Agriculture Research

Mohammad was the PIP team Research Associate (2021-2024) with extensive experience in poultry nutrition. He wrote science articles for newsletters and worked on developing adaptations and recommendations to support the adoption of new managerial tools, products, services, and practices by the poultry industry.

Looking at his poultry industry perspective, Mohammad has been serving the poultry industry through his extensive experience in feed formulation as an animal nutritionist over the past ten years. He was also a university lecturer for 10 years. Mohammad was a member of the Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) at the U of A. Mohammad graduated with a Ph.D. degree in Animal Science from the University of Alberta with a Postdoctoral fellowship before moving to his Research Associate position with the PIP team. Serving the poultry industry as an animal nutritionist for more than a decade, Mohammad loves teaching and worked as a university lecturer in Iran and a teaching assistant at the U of A. Mohammad was inspired by Dr. Frank Robinson, practicing the inquiry-based learning method when working as a TA in his “Principles of Animal Agriculture” class. “I have a strong passion on poultry nutrition and have always loved to help poultry producers with optimizing the poultry systems. The challenging part of working with live animals is that you need to be on call even as a nutritionist. However, the joy of seeing healthy animals and help with their welfare overcome the challenging part.”