Effect of Non-Starch Ploysacharides on Production and Absorption of Indolic Compounds in Entire Intact Males

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In order to study the effect of feeding non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) on the production and absorption of the malodorous compounds skatole and indole, eighteen male pigs, representing nine littermate groups, were used. One pig from each litter was assigned to either a low-NSP diet (87 g/kg of NSP) or a high-NSP diet (160 g/kg of NSP). Faecal samples and blood samples from vena jugularis were collected during a three-day period. The production of indolic compounds in different sections of the gastro-intestinal tract of six littermate groups was measured at slaughter (after 1 month on the diets). To investigate the absorption of indole and skatole, three catheterized pigs, acting as their own control (2 weeks on each diet) were used. Parallel determinations in portal blood, peripheral blood and in faeces of skatole and indole were conducted. Faecal, intestinal and blood samples were analysed for indolic compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The production of indole and skatole in the proximal and distal part of the hind gut, respectively, was significantly reduced in pigs given the high-NSP diet. Similarly, both blood and faecal samples revealed that dietary NSP-inclusion reduced skatole concentration, whereas a dietary effect of NSP on the indole concentration was reflected in blood samples only. The absorption of skatole and indole was significantly lower in pigs given the high-NSP diet compared with those offered the low-NSP diet. The skatole concentrations in blood and faeces were highly correlated when measured within the individual animal, suggesting that a proportional amount of the skatole produced was absorbed. In contrast, only weak correlations were demonstrated when. determined between animals. This emphasizes the great impact that individual hepatic clearance rate would have on the level of skatole in backfat, and consequently the importance of applying cross-over designs, when studying the absorption of indolic compounds.

CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS FOR TREATMENT OF SWINE WASTEWATER FROM AN ANAEROBIC LAGOON

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Diurnal Variation in Ammonia, Carbon Dioxide and Water Vapour Emission from an Uninsulated, Deep Litter Building for Growing/Finishing Pigs

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In an uninsulated livestock building with natural ventilation, the air temperature and airflow show a large variation according to the daily variations in weather and season. The objective of this investigation was to determine the diurnal variation in the emission of NH
, CO and moisture from an uninsulated building with a deep litter system for growing/”nishing pigs and to investigate the in#uence of air temperature and air#ow rate on the NH
emission. The investigations were carried out in an uninsulated experimental building with 125 growing/”nishing pigs in deep litter pens. The building was 12 m wide and 20 m long (240 m), naturally ventilated but also equipped with exhaust fans. TheNH
concentration, the CO concentration, the outside and inside air temperature, the outside and inside relative humidity and the animal activity were measured continuously during 6 days at a constant air#ow rate of 146 m
m h. During six nights the e!ect of air#ow rate on the NH
emission was investigated by changing the air#ow rate in steps from 26 to 165 m
m h. The measurements were carried out between day 16 and day 46 from the beginning of the growing period. The
NH
emission from an uninsulated, deep litter building for growing/”nishing pigs showed a clear diurnal variation. During the 6 days with constant air#ow rate the emission varied from 6 to 247% of the mean, with the minimum around 6.00 a.m. and the maximum around 5.00 p.m. The daily mean ofNH
emission increased from 0)23 to 0)65 g h per pig (day 16}day 43). The diurnal variation of NH
emission was correlated to the inside air temperature (correlation coe$cient r
”0)86}0)91) and the animal activity (r
”0)69}0)83). The increase of NH
emission with the air temperature followed an exponential pattern. The relative NH
emission #ux increased from 0)2 to 2)0 between the air temperatures!2 to 143C inside the building. An increase in air#ow rate through the building from 26 to 165 m
m h increased the relative NH
emission #ux from 0)4 to 1)4. The CO emission during the 6 days at constant air#ow rate had a daily mean between 81 and 120 g h per pig with a diurnal variation from 61 to 249% of the mean. The CO emission was correlated to the inside air temperature (r
”0)42}0)83) and animal activity (r
”0)67}0)85). The daily mean of water vapour emission increased during the same days between 146 and 408 g h per pig and varied from 18 to 269% of the mean. The
water vapour emission was correlated to the inside air temperature (r
”0)53}0)97), animal activity
(r
”0)57}0)85) and the water absorption capacity of the inlet air (r
”0)27}0)94). The diurnal variations in NH
, CO and water vapour emission were correlated to each other.

Temporal variation of indoor air quality in an enclosed swine confinement building

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Odour Sampling and Measurement: Sampling techniques for odour measurement

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The use of dynamic olfactometry can provide the basis of an effective and comprehensive approach to establishing odour strength and odour intensity levels of complex odours. When coupled with odour dispersion modelling, dynamic olfactometry can provide a particularly useful basis for odour impact assessment. The use of dispersion modelling for odour impact assessment requires the acquisition of sound and reliable source data. In the past there have been difficulties with scientifically sound quantification of odours by olfactometry. Even today there are those who still believe the science of odour measurement is a “black art”. No doubt many that hold this opinion have had experience with early attempts at the sensory evaluation of odours using earlier olfactometry techniques. Fortunately in recent years the science of olfactometry has advanced greatly, resulting in improved accuracy and greater repeatability of results (Wenzel 1948; Hangartner et al. 1985). Much of the development of olfactometry has occurred in Europe where high population density has resulted in odour generated by intensive agricultural operations, which has severely impacted on residential amenity.
The design of instruments and materials of construction used in modern olfactometry, differs greatly from those used a decade or so ago. The use of calibrated olfactometers and screened panels has greatly improved the reliability of odour concentration measurements (Jiang 1996). Most importantly, olfactometric techniques have been standardised. The draft European standard prEN 17325 (CEN 1997) is a performance based standard and defines the unit of odour measurement in terms of a butanol reference material. The forthcoming Australia and New Zealand standard (DR 99306) is based on the European standard and applies identical performance-based criteria. Similarly, there have been developments in odour sampling techniques that have improved the science. It is now possible to transport odour samples to a laboratory without significantly affecting odour concentration or odour intensity during transport. Furthermore, the draft European olfactometry standard, referred to above, also specifies, at least in a general way, techniques for emission sampling.

Sustainability of organic meat production under Swedish conditions

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University of Arkansas Swine Manure Demonstration Project

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The Arkansas Water Quality Inventory Report for 1994 lists the expansion of confined animal production
as a special state concern. The report indicates that in the areas of animal production, the reduced water quality attributed to agriculture is primarily due to elevated nutrient and pathogen concentrations. The report also mentions an increased incidence of high nitrate concentration in wells and springs in areas of concentrated animal operations.
Modern swine rearing facilities often have large numbers of animals and a relatively limited land base for manure application. Utilization of the manure in a manner that minimizes odor and optimizes nutrient utilization is an increasing concern. Manure is a valuable resource as an alternative
source of fertilizer nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) to maintain soil productivity. In fact, improving ground cover tends to reduce runoff volume and erosion. However, application rates greater than crop needs have been shown to result in nitrate (NO3) movement through the soil into ground water and can also result in excessive soil test P levels, leading to increased phosphorus concentrations in runoff water. This can be a problem, since phosphorus is normally the limiting nutrient for eutrophication in freshwater systems. In addition, odor and nutrient problems can both be increased by excessive nutrient buildup in lagoons/holding ponds if manure solids are allowed to accumulate over a number of years.
Arkansas was the twelfth highest swine producing state in the nation at the initiation of this project. Of the 2 million swine produced annually, the vast majority are raised on farms with liquid manure handling systems. On these farms, the animals are housed in total confinement facilities where the manure is handled with the addition of supplemental water. Water is typically used to flush the manure from the barn into storage/treatment basins until it is land applied to supply the nutrient (nitrogen) needs of a forage crop. While this approach has the advantages of production economics, animal health, beneficial use of the manure for crops and environmental preservation (with proper management), there are a couple of points of concern.

Succssul Siting of New and Expanding Intensive Livestock Operations – The Alberta Experience

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In 1998-98 Alberta had 471 livestock applications. 446 (94.7%) of these were approved. This is a significant statistic, however, in spite of this approval rate, there are significant issues facing ILO development in the province. In 2000 there were several large development applications which received substantial community oppostiion and genrated a lot of media coverage. This wave of oppoistion continues to effect development applications, to varying degrees across the provincce and reflects and increasing trend of the countryside being regarded as a common resource with public increasingly a say in how it is managed.

Nutrient and Heavy Netal Content of Soil Nutrient Status and Surface Water Quality

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It is well-known that the application of hog manure to land is an economical and environmentally sustainable method for the utilization of the nutrients and other components in the manure. Manure application can increase soil quality and productivity, at least in the short term, on most soils. However, soil quality and productivity can severely reduced in the long-term unless precautions are taken with respect to the loadings and frequency of application of manures. Sustaining the hog industry, through good manure management, is one method to ensure the continued growth of the hog industry in the province. Excessive accumulations of phosphorus, metals such as copper and zinc, sodium and other soluble salts can reduce soil quality and productivity. The loading rates and period of time a soil or parcel of land can be used for manure application depends on soil properties and the concentration of various constituents in the manure. Manures vary in the concentrations of metals (such as opper and zinc), depending on the type of hog operation (feeder, sow, nursery or farrow to finish barns) because of the varying concentrations of these minerals used in the feed. Soils with pH values of less than 6.5 are sensitive to metal loadings of copper and zinc, and crop yield and quality may be reduced if metal applications are high. sodium and other soluble salts found in the manures, also depend on the mineral supplements in the feed, as well as the source of water used to operate the hog facility. any soils in Manitoba are highly sensitive to sodium and salt applications. Another concern is the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus in the manures. If the nitrogen to phosphorus ratio in the manure is much less than the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus removed by crops, and the application rate of the manures was based only on available itrogen, phosphorus will accumulate in the soil. The build-up of phosphorus in the long-term can result in phosphorus runoff to surface waters (a decrease in water quality) and may cause yield reductions.
This investigation was an exploratory study to determine whether or not decreases in soil quality
and productivity were likely to occur due to the long-term applications of manure to Manitoba
soils. Several types of hog manures produced by various hog operations in Manitoba were
examined, and the effects of these manures on soil quality and productivity were assessed.

Influence of Hog Manure Application on Surface Runoff Water Quality

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This paper describes some preliminary results from a field-scale study of the effect of field application of hog manure by injection on surface runoff water quality. In the study, manure injection at rates of 7,000 and 10,000 gal ac-1 are compared to an inorganically fertilized control at a site near the Bear Hills Pork Producers barn at Perdue, SK. Surface runoff water quality is assessed during snowmelt and by rainfall simulation. Analysis of the preliminary data indicates that concentrations of total and ortho P and NH3 in snowmelt runoff from the basin receiving 10,000 gal ac-1 of hog manure the previous fall increased relative to background measurements and the control basin. Concentrations of NH3 also appeared to increase in snowmelt runoff from the basin receiving 7,000 gal ac-1 of hog manure. Elevated P concentrations were also measured in runoff from the manured plots the following year. Although the rainfall simulation data were less conclusive, nutrient concentrations in runoff from the plots receiving hog manure appeared to increase relative to the control. There was no indication that hog manure application led to increased coliform counts in runoff water.

Introduction
Hog manure is a valuable source of nutrients and its application to fields as fertilizer is an environmentally-sustainable solution to a waste disposal problem. However, with
increasingly large amounts of manure produced in a single location and prohibitively high transportation costs, manure applications to fields close to hog operations may exceed environmentally sustainable rates. If nutrients are applied in excess of crop requirements they may be transported to surface water through runoff or to groundwater through leaching. While the organic C and micro-organisms in manure can be beneficial to soil, dissolved organic C, bacteria and parasites may pollute water resources. Research is required to confirm that hog manure can be applied to agricultural fields without negatively impacting the environment and to establish sustainable rates of manure application. We have undertaken a field-scale study that is designed to assess the impact of hog manure application on soil and water quality by comparing two rates of manure application with an inorganically fertilized control and by comparing two methods of manure injection. This Health Issues and Water Quality paper describes the methodology for the surface water quality component of the study and presents some preliminary results.