The effects of slatted floors and manure scraper systems on the concentrations and emission rates of ammonia, methane and carbon dioxide in goat buildings

Abstract

This study was designed to quantify the concentrations and emission rates of ammonia (NH3), methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and to evaluate their effects on the indoor environment of slatted floor and manure scraper systems in two goat buildings. One building had a slatted floor and a manure scraper system (building II); the other building did not, and manure removal was performed by workers (building I). This study was conducted from April 2014 until January 2015, with sampling during four seasons. The NH3, CH4 and CO2 emission rates were highest in the summer and lowest in the winter in both buildings. However, in building II, these emission rates were significantly lower (P<0.05) than those in building I in each season. In both buildings, the NH3, CH4 and CO2 concentrations were highest in the winter and lowest in the summer, although the gas concentrations were significantly lower (P<0.05) in building II than in building I. The results of this study suggest that the slatted floor and manure scraper systems substantially lower the emissions of harmful gases in goat buildings.