The key to a successful swine waste management system is to produce less waste and/or produce some valuable from it. One system that combines these is the installation of manure collection belts underneath the flooring.
The idea is that fresh manure will drop from the pens and land on the tilted belt. The urine will then drain off and be transported elsewhere while the fecal matter will remain, where a drying process will occur. This system has several advantages including reduced ammonia and odour emissions because of the separation of the two kinds of waste and manure transport becomes easier and cheaper as the manure is drier. This system is also low maintenance, the belt life ranges from 5 to 10 years because of its durability, and finally there is greater flexibility because dry manure can be used as fertilizer, as soil amendments such as compost, or as fuel to be burned for energy production.
The question with any new technology is the feasibility for producers. Will it be practical and economical for the farm? The poultry industry has used this system for many years but the economic feasibility for pork producers is still being researched. Estimates suggest the belt will increase the cost of the barn to $5/pig place but that this would be offset by the savings in no longer needing a large lagoon or spray field and the cheaper transportation.