Manure Handling Systems Reduce Air Contaminants in Swine Barns
Various factors were studied to understand the sources of air contamination in intensive swine operations. Once the factors effect is decreased, the overall effect on air quality should be illustrated. Two manure-handling systems were tested to see which eliminates all...
Systems Engineering for Handling and Land Application of Solid and Semi-Solid Livestock Manure
To increase environmental sustainability and social acceptance of intensive livestock production, a top priority is research on manure handling and land application. Solid and semi-solid manure have had less research and development compared to liquid manure and slurry. Control of...
Simulating Ammonia Emissions from Slurry Pits
The main sources of ammonia in a pig-housing unit are the slurry pit and urine puddles. Less nitrogen is excreted when protein in the diet is decreased, while increasing fermented carbohydrates like sugar-beet pulp increases nitrogen excretion in the feces...
Greenhouse Gas Odour Emissions from Pig Production Buildings, Manure Storage and Manure Treatment Facilities
Livestock operations and manure management contribute largely to the agricultural sectors greenhouse gas emissions. Nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, methane and odour emissions were studied in Quebec and Saskatchewan swine operations. Carbon dioxide was the most prevalent of the greenhouse gases...
Impact of Combining a Low Protein Diet and Oil Sprinkling on Odour and Dust Emissions of Swine Barns
Oil sprinkling has been shown to be an effective dust control strategy. It also reduces gas emissions which may effect the odours emitted from the barn. To further investigate this area, protein diet with fermentable carbohydrates were included to see...
A Low Protein Diet and Oil Sprinkling to Reduce Ammonia Emissions from Pig Barns
Ammonia concentrations have adverse effects on the environment and the health of workers and animals. Reducing dietary protein and using fermentable carbohydrates in diets previously resulted in reduction of ammonia emissions. Oil sprinkling may also have an impact on ammonia...
Moisture Production of Grower-Finisher Pigs: Field Measurements Compared with Theoretical Values
To select the optimal minimum ventilation rate, moisture production equations have to be verified for intensive swine operations for Canadian climates. Under-ventilation leads to high humidity levels and bacterial growth, while over-ventilation increases the cost of heating in the winter....
Comparison of Urination Frequency of Grower-Finisher Pigs to Ammonia Emission
Ammonia emissions have negative consequences on the environment, animals and workers in the swine industry. Urine breakdown produces ammonia in puddles and slurry. If urine puddle numbers are known, ammonia emission predictions can be made using a computer model. Puddles...
Hydrogen Sulphide Concentration While Pulling Pit Plugs and Power-Washing Rooms
Liquid manure produces hydrogen sulphide which is a life-threatening gas. It is believed that hydrogen sulphide levels may be high when pulling pit plugs and power-washing rooms. Six pig farms were monitored in regard to this hypothesis. All barns that...
Draeger microPac Performance for Hydrogen Sulphide Monitoring in Commercial Swine Operations
Hydrogen sulphide is a major hazard in swine facilities and must be monitored carefully. The monitors are subjected to a harsh environment including high humidity, dust and gas levels. The Draeger microPac unit was evaluated for detecting hydrogen sulphide in...
Feasibility Study for Concrete Swine Buildings and Manure Storage Facilities in Western Canada
Most swine facilities in the Prairies are constructed with wood framing and earthen manure storage facilities. Concrete walls may increase the buildings longevity and rodent control. Concrete manure tanks and walls decrease the production facilities annual costs and increases longevity....
Manure Management in Zero Till Systems
A broader range of nutrients can be provided with manure fertilizer compared to inorganic products. In order to properly use manure, nutrient and soil analyses are needed. Nutrient take time to be released after application of manure; in cattle, they...