A 30 day laboratory scale experiment was carried out using three different aeration rates, i.e. +35mV
oxidation–reduction potential (ORP: standard hydrogen electrode), 1
0, and 3
0 mg[O2] l1, to achieve solids decomposition and odour control in pig slurry with total solids (TS) levels from 0
5 to 4
0%. Changes during the aeration process were characterised by TS, total volatile solids (TVS), total suspended solids (TSS), and total volatile suspended solids (TVSS), all expressed as w/w. The measurement of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), expressed as w/v, was used to evaluate the potential odour generation in the aerated slurry. The TS removal efficiencies from 6
0 to 44
9, 18
6 to 50
3, and 42
3 to 56
4% were observed for the three different aeration levels, with reductions from 6
6 to 48
9, 26
0 to 61
1, and 57
3 to 69
9% for the slurry TVS. The ratios of TVS/ TS, TSS/TS, and TVSS/TS in slurry over the experimental duration were found to increase with increased TS levels in the 30 day aeration under the three aeration intensities. Reductions in the 5 day biological oxygen
demand (BOD5) reached 78
5–92
0, 79
4–96
0, and 91
2–97
0%, while reductions of VFAs reached 12
7–99
0, 71
7–99
0%, and 87
8–99
3%. The biodegradation of solids, BOD5, and VFAs was effectively enhanced when aeration time and intensity were increased. A low level of solids in slurry promoted aerobic decompositions of solids, BOD5, and VFAs. Changes of state in the solids being aerated and changes in the BOD5 levels can be used to distinctly characterise the potential of odour generation from the slurry. Batch aeration of 5–10 days under intensities of 1
0 to 3
0 mg[O2] l1 is recommended for odour control at farm level.