ARS | Publication request: Enhanced animal productivity and health with improved manure management in 2nd Generation Environmentally Superior Technology in North Carolina: II. Air quality

Submitted to: Proceedings of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers International (ASABE)
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: June 20, 2008
Publication Date: August 31, 2008
Repository URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10113/45620
Citation: Szogi, A.A., Vanotti, M.B. 2008. Enhanced animal productivity and health with improved manure management in 2nd Generation Environmentally Superior Technology in North Carolina: II. Air quality. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Publication 701P048, p. 523-527.

Technical Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of improved manure management on air quality and the beneficial effect of a cleaner environment on animal productivity and health using a second generation of Environmentally Superior Technology. The second generation system combines solid-liquid separation, biological ammonia treatment, and phosphorus removal, and it produces a deodorized and disinfected liquid effluent. The system was installed full-scale in a 5,600-head finishing swine operation in North Carolina and demonstrated for one year under steady-state conditions. Ammonia concentration in air of the barns was reduced due to the recycle of cleaner, sanitized water to refill barn pits. Compared to the lagoon system, the new system lowered ammonia concentrations in the air inside the barns by an average of 40.3% at the operator nose level, 44.5% at the pig nose level, and 58.1% in the manure pit atmosphere below the slotted floor. Pronounced differences were also found in the quality of air blown outside the barns by ventilation fans; the average ammonia concentration reduction in the exhaust air was 75.1% with the use of the new treatment system. The improved housing environment enhanced animal health and productivity: mortality decreased 57%; daily weight gain increased 11%; and feed conversion improved 5.4% compared to the traditional lagoon management. These improvements resulted in substantial economic benefits to the farmer. These results overall show that cleaner alternative technologies can have significant and positive impacts on livestock production and the environment.