Wirkung und Bewertung von Geruchen – Effects and Assessment of Odours – Determination of Annoyance Parameters by Questioning Repeated Brief Questioning of Neighbour Panellists

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A method of population survey is presented to evaluate the odour annoyance in a selected area as annoyance cannot be evaluated by physical chemistry methods. Selected local residents form a panel and are asked repeated questions at a given moment to evaluated their perception of odour. The annoyance caused by odour is quantify on a scale of 6 categories from 0 to 5 (0 is no odour, 1 is not annoying to extremely annoying which is 5) corresponding weighting factors are used for the analysis and the graphical representation of the odour annoyance . The survey can be done over a short period of time which represents a short-term investigation with a test question at least one time a day for 2 to 3 months. Long-term investigation is done on a period of 12 to 14 months with a test at least one a week. Investigation zones have to be determined within the investigation area which may be affected by an odour source and a neutral control zone outside the investigation area is also chosen to compare the results with an unaffected area. The survey can be used: to evaluate the annoyance distribution in time and space for the investigated area, to demonstrate the difference between the annoyance situation in the investigated area compare to the neutral control zone, to evaluate the efficiency of applied odour abatement measures, to better understand the effect of prevailing wind direction and odour-relevant sources. Survey procedures are given with examples of letters and questioner. This method gives more relevant information than complaints surveys because a selected group of persons is invited to participate as for complaints only certain individual will forward complaints to local authorities. However the results of such a survey cannot be used for a different neighborhood even if the conditions seem to be similar.

Very interesting and complete information is given on the way of doing odour annoyance survey. This tool is interesting because it can give a fairly good picture of the annoyance pattern in an area and rely directly on the population perception of the odour source annoyance. Special attention has to be given to the survey organization and follow up to make sure that the procedures are understood and respected through out the survey period

Variation in behavioural indices of fearfulness and fatigue in transported broilers.

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Experiments with a Feed Additive to Reduce Ammonia Emissions from Pig Fattening Housing – Preliminary Results

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Good literature survey on the use of mineral feed additives showing sometimes improvement in feed efficiency and growth however the results are often not significantly different (and in many cases no statistical analysis is presented) and the experiments were done on a small number of pigs.

Pathogenicity of Helicobacter pylori: A perspective

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Understanding of the pathogenesis of H. pylori-associated gastroduodenal disease is in its infancy. Lack of adequate animal models is a major problem in testing many of the current hypotheses. Study of gastritis and its initiating factors is possible with helicobacter-infected rodents. However, a model of ulcerogenesis and carcinogenesis is needed; possibly the ferret will be suitable. The other priority is to advance our understanding of the genetics of the helicobacters. Experience gained with the close relatives, the campylobacters, has produced shuttle vectors that can take H. pylori genes into E. coli, but there have been difficulties in expression of these genes. Thus, at present the potential for fulfilling the modified Koch’s postulates of molecular pathogenesis is limited. The discovery of H. pylori is another event in the renaisance of medical microbiology that has seen the discovery of the etiology agents of Lyme disease, Legionnaires’ disease, campylobacter-induced diarrheal disease, and AIDS. Better understanding of the pathogenicity of H. pylori will allow development of strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality due to two of the world’s major gastroduodenal diseases, namely, peptic ulceration and gastric cancer.

Reduction of N Pollution by Decrease of the Excretion of Endogenous N in Pigs

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Reduction of endogenous nitrogen results in the reduction of N in the feces but also in the urine.

Bestimmung der Geruchsstoffimmission durch Begehungen – Determination of Odorants in Ambient Air by Field Inspections

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In most cases the analysis of an odour in ambient air is complex because it is composed of mixed substances. Those substances taken individually are difficult and costly to measure because often their concentrations are low. The method described in the guideline evaluate an odorant in ambient air directly by use of human smell by measuring the percentage odour time (time fraction during one measurement duration when an odour is recognizable) and possibly the odour intensity (in a scale from 0 – no odour to 6 – extremely strong. VDI 3882 Part 1). Measurements are done over a period of 1 year or 6 months by a panel of assessors presenting certain characteristics (details about the panel selection are given in the publication). In the area where an emission occur an assessment area is defined according to the objective of the study. To evaluate the odour situation of this area, a grid is defined and cover the assessment area. Every corners of the grid squares become measurement points where one measurement of at least 10 minutes duration will be done at least 26 times a year. The field inspection methods will depend on the objectives aimed. The analyzed results of this whole procedure give information about the odour dispersion, odour plume and can be used for the validation of dispersion models and draw odour maps.

This guideline gives complete information about the determination of odorants in ambient air by field inspections. The procedures are well presented however no information where available about the reproducibility of the results. This test gives information about odour and other investigation should be done if the odorant composition has to be done to determine the presence of certain gases.

Respiratory health of swine producers. Focus on young workers

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Two Options for Manure Treatment to Reduce Ammonia Emission from Pig Housing

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The aeration system doesn’t prevent N losses under other form (N2 and NO2) unless the nitrification denitrification process is done thoroughly. For biological treatment, the aeration is very costly in term of energy requirements as oxidation is done on degradable material. Acidification is also expensive and organic acids have to be considered in order to be biologically degradable. Caution has to be done for the fertilization for some crops.

Abstractions and Runoff from Fescue Plots Receiving Poultry Litter and Swine Manure

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Dietary Factors Affecting Protein Digestibility in Pigs

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The factors that affect its digestibility have to be better investigated such as role of non starch polysaccharides, antinutritionnal factors and finally other dietary components such as fat level, starch source and mineral content. More work has also to be done to develop alternative ways to improve digestibility such as plant breeding, preservation of feedstuffs, feedstuffs and processing and also the enhancement of digestive functions (effect of enzymes, probiotics).