Belt Conveyor Manure Separation System: Impact on Odour and Gas Emissions
Handling large volumes of manure from livestock operations led to environmental concerns, so innovative strategies are being explored to manage manure in an environmental and economical manner. A tilted belt conveyor (BC) was examined to replace the slatted portion of the pen to separate feces...
Impact of Drinking Water Sulphate Levels on Gas Emissions and Manure Nutrients
A major environmental concern for the swine industry are odour and gaseous emissions. Sulphur containing compounds are some of the most odourous components of swine. Drinking water quality on air emissions and swine manure nutrients were assessed. Up to 1,800 ppm of sulphate in drinking...
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Covered or Uncovered Earthen Manure Storage
Average season and annual emissions were calculated for different earthen manure storage technology. Nitrous oxide and surface emissions were negligible. As ambient temperature increased, so did emissions as promotion of more biological activity occured. Straw-covered systems reduced carbon dioxide and methane by 57 and 85%...
Reducing H2S Exposure Through a Water Spray Method and Monitoring
Hydrogen sulphide is a dangerous gas that is commonly found in swine operations. Reducing the amount of this gas is of great interest in order to keep the workers and animals safe. Hydrogen sulphide is water soluble so theoretically, spraying water during agitation may allow...
Manure Scraper System Reduces Hydrogen Sulphide Levels in Swine Barns
Manure management tasks such as pulling pit-drain plugs put workers at risk of hydrogen sulphide exposure. In order to reduce the production of hydrogen sulphide, an in-barn manure handling system that provides more frequent and complete removal of manure from production rooms was investigated. Gas...
Measuring Ammonia Emissions from Urine Puddles
Ammonia is a common gas found in pig barns that has a strong odour and can irritate the workers exposed and have environmental consequences. The main sources of ammonia in pig housing units are the urine puddles and slurry pit. Barn floors have plenty of...
Feeding and Social Behaviour of Finishing Pigs in Fully Slatted Large Groups
Smaller group sizes have been studied much more than larger ones which are now more common in North America. Pigs may adapt differently in large social groups which could alter their behaviours and feeding activity. Changes in behaviour could lead to lower productivity and welfare...
Effects of Housing Finishing Pigs in Varying Group Sizes and Space Allocations
Crowding has been shown to have a negative impact on welfare and productivity of pigs in small groups. Large groups of pigs may be better at using space more efficiently. Space requirements were assessed in large and small groups to see how the pigs were...
Response of Growing Pigs to Graded Levels of Flaxseed
As a way to diversify rations and reduce cost or to alter the final pork product, alternative ingredients for pig diets are often investigated. Flaxseed is of interest as the amount of acreage for flax is increasing so the quantity available will rise. A nutrient...
Developing Weaning Pig Programs Based on Age and Weight
Needs for less antibiotic usage, lower costs, improved performance and reduced variability make feeding the newly weaned pig challenging. Diets were monitored on pigs of different weight and age to see what they respond to better in order to reduce body weight variability after the...