Odor is one of the primary public relations problems that have to face the livestock industry with the nuisance complaints and potentially damaging litigation. The solutions of this situation pass by the management of both odor and manure produced by the intensive livestock operations. An optimal manure management system should aim minimal environmental impacts and maximal resource recovery. The anaerobic digestion, realized under controlled conditions, presents a holistic treatment solution that control odors, produces usable energy, minimizes environmental impact and optimize fertilizer, water recovery and reuse.

Considering the low cost of fossil fuels, this technique is not cost effective. However with the changes in the technology, the value of the secondary products ( fertilizer, recycling of treated flush water) and possible incentive in the future to use renewable energy systems, the anaerobic digestion systems could become interesting.