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The Renewable Energy and Manure Management Research Unit provides technology for environmentally safe, sustainable animal production systems in an unpredictable, semi-arid climate. Methods to improve the utilization of animal manures from confined animal feeding operations are evaluated through nutritional, microbial, and land application studies to decrease potential environmental hazards and food safety risks. Techniques are developed to reduce emissions and transport of ammonia, feedyard dust, and air-borne pathogens. The feeding value of distiller's grains produced from grain sorghum-based ethanol processes are evaluated through nutritional studies. Renewable energies are used to provide water for livestock and for supplemental irrigation of crops by developing wind and solar pumping systems. Electricity is generated for rural and remote areas by developing hybrid wind/diesel-biofuel electric generation systems. Research is conducted under two in-house CRIS projects related to National Research Programs 206 and 307. These research projects have sub-components related to National Research Programs 101, 201, 203, and 211.