Manure Removal Research Articles

Identification of Size-segregated Bioaerosol Community and Pathogenic Bacteria in a Tunnel-ventilated Layer House: Effect of Manure Removal

Identification of Size-segregated Bioaerosol Community and Pathogenic Bacteria in a Tunnel-ventilated Layer House: Effect of Manure Removal

Observations of Cattle Hoof Health and Performance Over Time in Deep Bedded Monoslope Buildings

The use of deep bedded, monoslope, cattle barns without complete manure removal can have negative implications regarding foot health and subsequent performance of feedlot cattle over time.  More frequent manure removal may be part of the solution.

МАТЕМАТИЧЕСКИЕ ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ДЛЯ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ РАЗМЕРОВ КОРОВНИКА

When designing new livestock farms, it is important to introduce the proper space-planning solutions in cow barns and technological solutions for major production processes. This task requires the development of mathematical relationships. The study presents the mathematical relationships for determining the dimensions of a cow barn for loose cubicle housing of animals using three options for the location of cubicles (technological modules). Each mathematical relationship takes into account several factors. They include the number of cows in the group; parameters of the technological module depending on the live weight of cows (the dimensions of cubicles and alleys); selection of the width of a feed table, a manure removal channel and a cow traffic alley depending on the adopted technological solutions. Determining the overall barn size makes it easier to compare different options of spatial solutions for the loose cubicle housing in terms of financial costs and animal comfort. It also allows selecting an option best suited for specific farm conditions at the stage of preparing the design assignment (basis). The proposed relationships can be used in designing algorithms of dairy farms.

Indicators of full value feeding rations for dairy cows.

This article presents the results of the level of feeding and the health status of dairy cows in a commercial dairy farm on the content of the main components in milk (fat, protein, urea). The aim of the research was to study the milk productivity and composition of milk of cows, to analyze the level of feeding and the content of basic nutrients in the diet of the farm. The farm breeds purebred Holstein cattle with a high genetic potential for productivity. The milking herd was formed in 2009 on the basis of 600 heads of Holstein-Friesian heifers imported from Hungary, as well as 65 heads of Holsteinized heifers of Ukrainian selection from Ukraine in 2015. Today the livestock numbers about 1,500 head of cattle, of which there are about 900 breeders. On the territory of the farm there are: 3 cowsheds for keeping cows, an insemination room, a milking parlor with a parallel installation of the Delaval company, in which 48 cows are milked for one milking, the ABK, where the manager's office, livestock technician, accounting is located, and a mini-hotel with dining room and lounges. Dairy bases are equipped with auto-drinkers, ventilation, plumbing, electric lighting, manure removal mechanisms, and a milking installation. The object of the research was Holstein cows in the amount of 483 heads of Aina Dairy Farm LLP. The studies were carried out according to generally accepted zootechnical methods using modern equipment for conducting analyzes and interstate and state standards. The research results showed that the milk productivity of cows averaged 19.5 kg per day, the fat content 4.3%, the protein 3.9%, the number of somatic cells 230.5 thousand units / ml, urea 45.3 mg / 100 ml respectively. Analyzing the level of urea in milk can suggest a high crude protein content in the diet. The ration of feeding dairy cows on the farm is concentrate-silage-haylage and there is an excess of dry matter by 16.2%, crude protein by 9.8%, starch by 29.4%, respectively.

USE OF DIGITALIZATION MEANS IN THE FORMATION OF THE MICROCLIMATE OF ANIMAL PREMISES

The study of information systems and technologies, specialized software products aimed at solving the problems of animal husbandry management and determining the prospects for their use by specialists is relevant. The main factor determining the life of animals is the environment. One of the ways to intensify livestock (pigs, cattle, poultry, etc.) is a comprehensive automation of labor-intensive technological processes, including the formation of the microclimate of livestock facilities, which would have a positive impact on animal health, productivity and product quality. However, animals are also affected by certain methods and methods of feeding, man-made content, zonal climate, heat-shielding properties of enclosing structures, air exchange rate, ventilation efficiency, sewage condition, manure removal and removal methods, lighting. The impact of microclimate on animals consists of a set of environmental factors: temperature, humidity, air velocity, chemical composition, microbial and dust pollution, lighting, etc. The main parameter of the air environment is temperature. This has the greatest impact on animal health and productivity. The hygienic value of temperature is that it affects the thermoregulation of the body, which is divided into the processes of chemical thermoregulation - the reaction of heat generation and the processes of physical thermoregulation - the regulation of heat transfer. The study of the technology of improving the efficiency of microclimate regulation in livestock premises based on the use of an automated control system is promising. Thus, changing the composition and properties of the environment, you can affect the body of animals, achieving high productivity.

The influence of the method of manure removal and storage on the quality of organic products

The aim of this article was to compare the quality of manure in different ways of its removal and storage for environmental pollution. The research was conducted in three farms of Kyiv region with different methods of manure removal, storage and processing: using deep long-lasting straw litter (manure removal three times a year); with manure processing in a closed bioreactor-fermenter of the closed type; with manure settling in open lagoons. In all farms, the average annual livestock is 400 dairy cows. Samples for analysis of manure (processing waste) were taken the day before export to the field. The average daily air temperature during sampling was +21.3 °C. In terms of the sum of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in 1 kg of fertilizers, the highest indicators were observed for the variant of keeping in deep litter – 7.69 g. intermediate bioreactors-fermenters observed intermediate values – 6.69 g. The highest moisture content of manure was during storage in the lagoon – by 19.71 % and 1.38 % more compared to the option on deep litter and in the bioreactor-fermenter. The lowest number of weed seeds was for storage in deep litter – 84 pcs/ml, which is 19 and 23 pcs/ml more than for processing in a bioreactor-fermenter and storage in the lagoon. The indicator of weed germination, which is very important from the point of view of future use of manure as an organic fertilizer in general, had positive indicators for all storage (processing) options. The germination rate of weeds for storage in deep litter was 5.72 %, which is 3.14 and 4.42 % less than for processing in a bioreactor-fermenter and in the lagoon. The largest emissions of N2O (nitric oxide) were in the variant of manure storage in the lagoon – 40712.45 kg, which is 39781.88 kg more than in the options of storage in deep litter and in the bioreactor-fermenter. The content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic matter of fertilizer obtained from 1 kg of manure from deep litter, exceeded similar indicators of other methods of storage due to daily application of straw.

Технологічні вимоги до механізації виробництва свинини

The purpose of the research is – develop technological requirements for technical means for pork production on pig farms, adapted to EU standards. Research methods. During the development of technological requirements for mechanization of pork production on pig farms, adapted to EU standards, the basic regulatory documents were used: EU Directive 91/630 of 19.11.1991; EU Directive 2008/120 of 18.12.2008. Technological requirements for mechanization of pork production are formed by the following components: keeping pigs, feeding pigs, watering pigs, removing manure, creating a microclimate, veterinary services. Research results.Technological requirements for mechanization of pork production were developed for the first time in Ukraine. The design of equipment for keeping pigs must provide conditions for keeping animals close to natural. In accordance with EU regulatory requirements, free conditions for keeping animals must be ensured. The technological area of the machine per animal must be at least: 0.15 m2 for pigs with an average live weight of up to 10 kg; 0,2 m2 for pigs with an average live weight of 10 kg to 20 kg; 0,3 m2 for pigs with an average live weight of 20 kg to 30 kg; 0,4 m2 for pigs with an average live weight of 30 kg to 50 kg; 0,55 m2 for pigs with an average live weight of 50 kg to 85 kg; 0,65 m2 for pigs with an average live weight of 85 to 110 kg; 1,0 m2 for pigs with an average live weight of more than 110 kg. Dimensions of individual machines for keeping pigs: width - 60 cm, length - 170 cm, area 1,0 m2; sows - width - 65 cm, length - 190 cm, area 1,2 m2. The number of pigs in the technological group must be at least 6 heads. The minimum technological area for individual keeping of an adult boar should be 6,0-7,5 m2. The technological area of the machine for keeping the breeding boar and sow during mating must be at least 10 m2. Piglets kept near sows should be provided with a comfortable heated area. During group keeping of pigs, their simultaneous access to feed must be ensured. When creating drinking bowls for pigs, it is necessary to take into account the technological requirements regarding the need of pigs for water and its flow rate. Pigs should not be kept in conditions with high excess air temperature and high relative humidity. When creating equipment for pig breeding, it is necessary to take into account the negative impact of air currents in piggeries on animals. It is not allowed to keep pigs constantly in the dark. Conclusions. For the first time in Ukraine, technological requirements for technical means for pork production on pig farms, adapted to EU standards, have been developed, taking into account the following components: keeping, feeding, watering pigs, manure removal, creating a microclimate, veterinary services. Technological requirements will be useful in the creation and implementation of modern machinery and equipment for pig farms.

Вимоги щодо створення умов для утримання тварин на молочних фермах

The purpose of the research is – to develop requirements for creating comfortable conditions for keeping farm animals, taking into account EU standards, during milk production on farms. Research methods. During the development of requirements for the creation of comfortable conditions for keeping farm animals, taking into account EU standards, in the process of milk production on farms used the following basic regulations: Council Directive 98/58/EU, Council Directive 91/629/EU, Council Directive 92/46/EU, Commission Directive 89/362/EC. Requirements in the field of milk production, adapted to EU standards, are systematized by the following components: keeping, feeding, watering animals, milking cows, milk cooling, manure removal, creating a microclimate, veterinary care. Research results. In practice, during milk production it is necessary to create free, comfortable conditions for keeping cattle. Convenient access of service personnel to the place of calving of cows should be provided. In the conditions of the maternity ward, the technological areas should be 8-10 m² per cow. Young cattle, including calves, should be provided with a clean and dry rest area, protected from drafts. According to EU regulations, calves up to eight weeks of age can be kept in individual cages or in group cages. According to EU Council Directive 97/2, calves older than 8 weeks of age are kept only in group cages. In accordance with the EU Directive 97/2 technological areas for keeping young cattle with a live weight of up to 150 kg - must be at least 1,5 m² / head., Live weight 150 - 220 kg – 1,7 m² / head., Live weight 220 kg and more – 1,8 m² / goal. Technological areas for keeping animals with a live weight of 200 to 500 kg - from 2,7 to 4,7 m² / goal. The feeding front for young cattle with a live weight of 200 to 500 kg is from 0,4 to 0,6 m / goal. The technological area in the section per cow must be at least 6 m² / head. Rational sizes of boxes for rest of cows: width 1,2 m, length (near a wall) - 2,6 m, length (in paired boxes) - 2,45 m, height of a protection of a box - 1,1 ± 0,05 m, an inclination boxing floor towards the manure passage 5 ± 1%, the height of the boxing floor above the level of the manure passage 0,2 – 0,25 m. The width of the rest area of cows must be at least 6 m. In accordance with EU Council Directive 98/58 must be provided free access of animals to feeders and feed. EU Commission Decision 97/182 states that priority should be given to the feeding of whole milk substitutes when feeding calves. A feeding front for cows must be provided – 0,7 ± 0,05 m. In accordance with EU Council Directive 98/58, free access of animals to drinking troughs and water must be ensured. According to European standards, the total bacterial contamination of milk should be - ≤ 300 thousand KUO / cm³, the number of somatic cells in milk - ≤ 400 thousand /cm³. Drainage of wastewater from milking parlors, household premises of the farm is carried out using a separate from the manure removal system - sewer system. The bactericidal phase of fresh milk is 4 hours, no later than this period you need to start processing milk into dairy products. The depth of the manure channel in the livestock building should be 8 - 20 cm, the sides of which are located at right angles to the surface of the channel. The minimum width of the manure passage for cows should be 2,7 m. An acceptable level of air temperature for cows during the year from minus 10 °C to + 25 °C at a relative humidity of up to 80 %. Periodically carry out preventive veterinary measures, weighing animals, trimming the hooves of limbs in cows 2-4 times a year, monthly examination of cows for mastitis using mastitis detectors. Conclusions. For the first time in Ukraine, requirements have been developed to create comfortable conditions for keeping farm animals, taking into account EU standards, during milk production on farms. Requirements adapted to EU standards in the field of milk production are systematized by the following components: keeping, feeding, watering dairy cattle, milking cows, cooling milk, manure removal, creating a microclimate, veterinary care.

Strategies to mitigate ammonia and nitrous oxide losses across the manure management chain for intensive laying hen farms

Circular economy principle aims to achieve sustainable production systems, focusing on the waste valorisation and the reduction of gaseous losses to the atmosphere. Nitrogen (N) compounds in terms of ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) represent the major losses to the atmosphere of laying hen manure management chain. We present a study aimed to evaluate NH3 and N2O emission and mitigation strategies at housing, storage and land spreading stages. The whole manure management chain was evaluated under different scenarios which combined mitigation strategies of each stage. Two intensive laying hen facilities were involved in the study. Evaluated mitigation strategies were: (i) frequency of manure removal from housing facility, (ii) dried manure storage after passing throughout a manure drying tunnel (MDT) compared to fresh manure storage and (iii) fresh or dried manure incorporation versus surface land application. Increasing the frequency of manure removal from 4 days to 1/3 daily, reduced N losses around 68%. Dried manure storage achieved around 75% reduction in N losses compared to fresh manure storage. Spreading dried manure on grassland surface reduced ≈77% NH3 losses in relation to the emission level reached by fresh manure. The reduction was similar when dried manure was incorporated compared to surface application of fresh manure (≈79%). A 40% reduction in N losses was achieved using the MDT compared to no drying strategy. In the whole manure management chain, the combination of strategies that most reduced N losses was: removal frequency of 1/3 daily, dry storage after passing through the MDT and incorporated land application. These strategies reduced N losses between 40 and 60% compared to the 4 days of removal frequency, fresh storage and surface application of fresh manure.

New Insights into the Hourly Manure Coverage Proportion on the Manure Belt in a Typical Layer House for Accurate Ammonia Emission Modeling.

Simple SummaryHourly manure coverage proportion and area on the manure belt are key parameters for estimating ammonia emissions in poultry houses in order to provide environmental control suggestions and achieve the goals of precision poultry farming. In this study, experimental measurements were performed, and binary images were applied to provide new insights into the projected hourly manure coverage area on the manure belt at different layer hen ages. It was demonstrated that manure coverage proportion and area measured at different laying hen ages showed similar trends and values with four distinct stages within 48 h. In addition, statistical analyses found no significant correlation between the hourly increment of manure weight and the hourly increment of manure coverage proportion. The results from the present study are expected to serve as a fundamental input parameter for ammonia emission modeling to more accurately simulate the hourly indoor environment and provide effective mitigation strategies.The main advantage of having livestock, for example, the laying hens, in a controlled environment is that the optimum growth conditions can be achieved with accuracy. The indoor air temperature, humidity, gases concentration, etc., would significantly affect the animal performance, thus should be maintained within an acceptable range. In order to achieve the goals of precision poultry farming, various models have been developed by researchers all over the world to estimate the hourly indoor environmental parameters so as to provide decision suggestions. However, a key parameter of hourly manure area in the poultry house was missing in the literature to predict the ammonia emission using the recently developed mechanistic model. Therefore, in order to fill the gap of the understanding of hourly manure coverage proportion and area on the manure belt, experimental measurements were performed in the present study using laying hens from 10 weeks age to 30 weeks age. For each test, six polypropylene (pp) plates were applied to collect the manure dropped by the birds every hour, and photographs of the plates were taken at the same time using a pre-fixed camera. Binary images were then produced based on the color pictures to determine the object coverage proportion. It was demonstrated that for laying hens of stocking density around 14 birds/m2, the manure coverage proportion at the 24th hour after the most recent manure removal was about 60%, while the value was approximately 82% at the 48th hour. Meanwhile, for laying hens at different ages, the hourly increment of manure coverage proportion showed a similar pattern with four distinct stages within 48 h. The statistical analyses demonstrated no significant correlation between the hourly increment of manure weight and the hourly increment of manure coverage proportion. Finally, prediction models for estimating the hourly manure coverage proportion on the manure belt in typical laying hen houses were provided.

Assessing the effectiveness of agricultural conservation practices in maintaining soil organic carbon under contrasting agroecosystems and a changing climate

AbstractThe potential of conservation practices to maintain soil organic C (SOC) and reduce climate change impacts on yields is unknown. This study aimed to validate the DayCent model with observed yield data and the CQESTR model with measured SOC in two agroecosystems, and predict the best practices to sustain SOC under projected climate change. Data were from a conventional tillage (CT) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–fallow rotation without N or with 135 kg N ha–1 fertilizer, and no‐till (NT) experiments, NTA (NTA0W‐F and NTA135W‐F) and NTB with a wheat–pea (Pisum sativum L.) cover crop (NTB0W‐P and NTB135W‐P) in Oregon; and crop rotations with CT and NT silage or grain corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]–alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with or without manure or stover removal or a cover crop in Pennsylvania. Measured and CQESTR‐simulated SOC were significantly (p < .0001) correlated (r = .90). In Oregon, predicted SOC to 60 cm increased under NTA135W‐F and NTB135W‐P at 0.05 and 0.08 Mg ha–1 yr–1 under projected climate change, respectively. The NT management under dryland production provided a limited SOC increase. In Pennsylvania, predicted SOC to 1 m decreased at 0.07 Mg ha–1 yr–1 in corn–soybean under CT or NT with stover removal, but increased by 0.71 Mg ha–1 yr–1 in dairy forage NT and manure added under climate change. The responses of SOC to climate change were affected by management, biomass type, edaphic properties, local climate, and agroecosystem.

Manure Flushing vs. Scraping in Dairy Freestall Lanes Reduces Gaseous Emissions

The objective of the present study was to mitigate ammonia (NH3), greenhouse gases (GHGs), and other air pollutants from lactating dairy cattle waste using different freestall management techniques. For the present study, cows were housed in an environmental chamber from which waste was removed by either flushing or scraping at two different frequencies. The four treatments used were (1) flushing three times a day (F3), (2) flushing six times a day (F6), (3) scraping three times a day (S3), and (4) scraping six times a day (S6). Flushing freestall lanes to remove manure while cows are out of the barn during milking is an industry standard in California. Gas emissions were measured with a mobile agricultural air quality lab connected to the environmental chamber. Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emissions were decreased (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05) in the flushing vs. scraping treatments, respectively. Scraping increased NH3 emissions by 175 and 152% for S3 and S6, respectively vs. F3. Ethanol (EtOH) emissions were increased (p < 0.001) when the frequency of either scraping or flushing was increased from 3 to 6 times but were similar between scraping and flushing treatments. Methane emissions for the F3 vs. other treatments, were decreased (p < 0.001). Removal of dairy manure by scraping has the potential to increase gaseous emissions such as NH3 and GHGs.

The relationship between dung beetle diversity and manure removal in forest and sheep grazed grasslands

The relationships and linkages between biodiversity and ecosystem processes are critical issues in ecology. Manure removal is an ecosystem process related to several ecological functions performed by dung beetles. However, there is little information on manure removal by beetles in temperate ecosystems of Mexico. Using a linear model based on species biomass, here we estimated the amount of manure that can be potentially removed by dung beetle species in temperate forests and grasslands with sheep herding. Then, we related the estimated amount of manure removed with attributes of dung beetle communities: species richness, diversity, evenness and functional diversity in forest and grasslands sites. We compared the amount of manure potentially removed at each habitat by all species of dung beetles and by beetle’s food relocation strategies. Also, we used Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) to test the relationships between manure removal and community attributes. Our model estimated that five species remove most of the manure, and tunneler beetles remove higher amounts of manure in grasslands than in forest sites. GAMs revealed that manure removal is related to dung beetle species richness and evenness, but not to functional diversity. Therefore, it is relevant to promote rich dung beetle communities to maintain optimal ecosystem functions, both in native forest and livestock areas.

A Biotreatment Effect on Dynamics of Cattle Manure Composition and Reduction of Ammonia Emissions from Agriculture

Increasing control of localized air pollution caused by ammonia is identified, including limiting the maximum emissions from agriculture. In EU countries, the agricultural sector is the source of above 94% of the total anthropogenic emissions of ammonia, of which manure removal systems account for 56%. In view of the reason for the agricultural waste management by formation and propagation of ammonia gas—the bacterial and enzymatic degradation of organic components in excrement—it is important to evaluate the effect of biotreatment of 100% natural composition (contain Azospirillum sp. (N) (number of bacterial colonies −1 × 109 cm−3), Frateuria aurentia (K) (number of bacterial colonies −1 × 109 cm−3), Bacillus megaterium (P) (bacterial colony count −1 × 109 cm−3), seaweed extract (10% by volume), phytohormones, auxins, cytokinin, gibberellins, amino acids, and vitamins) on the emission of ammonia from organic waste. Experimental research was carried out to determine significant differences of dynamics in agrochemical composition of manure, NH3 gas emissions, depending on biotreatment, manure storage duration, and ventilation intensity of the barn. Gas emission was obtained via laser gas analyzer using a spectroscopic method in a specially reconstructed wind tunnel chamber. About 32% manure biotreatment effect on reduction of ammonia emissions was established. The maximum effect of the biodegradable compound on gaseous propagation was assessed after 28–35 days of manure storage and proved all biotreatment effect time of 49–56 days. By the saving nitrogen loses priority, manure biotreatment could reduce nitrogen losses from manure and inorganic N fertilizers by approximately 5%, also could reduce approximately 5911.1 thousand tones nitrogen fertilizer in the world and reduce approximately 5.5 Eur ha−1. “The biotreatment impact assessment confirmed that proper application of biotreatment can reduce ammonia emissions from manure and environmental pollution from agriculture”.

Dairy and swine manure management - Challenges and perspectives for sustainable treatment technology.

Global dairy and swine production growth has increased significantly over the past decades, resulting in higher manure generation in certain areas and environmental concerns. Therefore, manure management is an essential focus for farmers and environmental regulators. Systematic selection of manure management practices can provide environmental benefits, but accounting for local constraints, economics and farming practices are significant challenges. All these factors drive the selection of appropriate manure management systems (MMSs). MMSs are highly varied for their design, partly due to individual farm settings, geography, and the end-use applications of manure. However, the benefits of technological advancements in MMSs provide higher manure treatment efficiency and co-production of value-added products such as recycled water, fiber, sand bedding, and nutrient-rich bio-solids, among others. To achieve higher environmental benefits, advanced manure treatment technologies have to be implemented, which comes with additional costs. So, there is a tradeoff between environmental benefits and cost. With the above prospects, this article reviews: 1) the different treatment technologies used in dairy and swine farms, 2) the life cycle assessment (LCA) method's importance in evaluating various treatment technologies for better environmental returns, and 3) decision support tools (DST) and their significance in MMSs prioritization. We found considerable heterogeneity in the available datasets, mainly on crucial parameters such as water consumption, types and amount of bedding materials, manure removal frequency, manure treatment technologies, and the extent of resource recovery. Thus, suitable environmental impact assessment inventory models are needed to evaluate a more comprehensive range of treatment technologies in MMSs, representing the spatial and farming system heterogeneities. There is also a need for user-friendly DST with adjustable inputs for the functional components of MMSs and evaluation criteria, which can rapidly evaluate the techno-economic feasibility of alternative systems.

Surveillance and Sequestration Strategies to Reduce the Likelihood of Transporting Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Contaminated Layer Manure.

Movement and land application of manure is a known risk factor for secondary spread of avian influenza viruses. During an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), movement of untreated (i.e., fresh) manure from premises known to be infected is prohibited. However, moving manure from apparently healthy (i.e., clinically normal) flocks may be critical, because some egg-layer facilities have limited on-site storage capacity. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate targeted dead-bird active surveillance real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) testing protocols that could be used for the managed movement of manure from apparently healthy egg-layer flocks located in an HPAI control area. We also evaluated sequestration, which is the removal of manure from any contact with chickens, or with manure from other flocks, for a period of time, while the flock of origin is actively monitored for the presence of HPAI virus. We used stochastic simulation models to predict the chances of moving a load of contaminated manure, and the quantity of HPAI virus in an 8 metric ton (8000 kg) load of manure moved, before HPAI infection could be detected in the flock. We show that the likelihood of moving contaminated manure decreases as the length of the sequestration period increases from 3 to 10 days (e.g., for a typical contact rate, with a sample pool size of 11 swabs, the likelihood decreased from 48% to <1%). The total quantity of feces from HPAI-infectious birds in a manure load moved also decreases. Results also indicate that active surveillance protocols using 11 swabs per pool result in a lower likelihood of moving contaminated manure relative to protocols using five swabs per pool. Simulation model results from this study are useful to inform further risk evaluation of HPAI spread through pathways associated with manure movement and further evaluation of biosecurity measures intended to reduce those risks.

Surveillance and sequestration strategies to reduce the likelihood of transporting HPAIV contaminated layer manure.

Movement and land application of manure is a known risk factor for secondary spread of avian influenza (AI) viruses. During an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), movement of untreated (i.e., fresh) manure from premises known to be infected would be prohibited. However, moving manure from apparently healthy (i.e., clinically normal) flocks may become critical, because some egg-layer facilities have limited on-site storage capacity. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate targeted dead-bird active surveillance rRT-PCR (real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) testing protocols that could be used for the managed movement of manure from apparently healthy egg-layer flocks located in a HPAI Control Area. We also evaluated sequestration, which is the removal of manure from any contact with chickens, or with manure from other flocks, for a period of time, while the flock of origin is actively monitored for the presence of HPAI virus. We used stochastic simulation models to predict the chances of moving a load of contaminated manure, and the quantity of HPAI virus in an 8 metric ton (8000 kg) load of manure moved, before HPAI infection would be detected in the flock. We show that the likelihood of moving contaminated manure would decrease as the length of the sequestration period increased from 3 to 10 days (e.g., for a typical contact rate, with a sample pool size of 11 swabs, the likelihood decreased from 48% to <1%). The total quantity of feces from HPAI infectious birds in a manure load moved would also decrease. Results also indicate that active surveillance protocols using 11 swabs per-pool result in a lower likelihood of moving contaminated manure relative to protocols using 5 swabs per pool. Simulation model results from this study are useful to inform further risk evaluation of HPAI spread through pathways associated with the manure movement, and further evaluation of biosecurity measures intended to reduce those risks.

Improving the Technology of Dust Deposition from the Air of Livestock Premises Using an Electrostatic Precipitator

This paper provides recommendations based on calculations of the consistent placement of dust separating devices for treating air of livestock premises. This study is relevant due to the fact the atmospheric air and, specifically, the air of livestock premises, always contains a certain amount of dust. Dust accumulation in the air of livestock premises is associated with foddering, premise cleaning, animal cleaning, and animal bedding laying. Dust content in the air livestock premises fluctuates during the day depending on the livestock and poultry foddering and feeding system, ventilation, as well as the manure removal method. From a hygienic standpoint, dust affects the animal organism directly and indirectly. The indirect effect of dusty air is associated with moisture droplets depositing on dust particles and creating fogs. Dust and fog absorb a significant part of solar radiation and worsen the photoclimate, while a layer of dust and soot settling on the windows of livestock premises reduces the natural illumination of the latter. The atmospheric air and the air of livestock premises contain various microorganisms along with dust and smoke. There is a direct relationship between dust content and the number of microorganisms since they usually settle on dust particles.

Comparing NH3 emissions under different cattle housing conditions in cold regions in China with an inverse dispersion technique

Accurately assessing ammonia (NH3) emissions from animal farms is necessary for determining the effectiveness of various mitigation practices to minimize related environmental risks and maximize the potential of recycling nitrogen from manure. This study attempted to validate a hypothesis formulated using a mass-flow inventory model, which suggested that "Barn only" housing facilities without open lots might have a lower NH3 loss potential than "Barn+Lot" facilities with both dairy barns and open lots. NH3 emissions from two "Barn+Lot" dairy farms and one "Barn only" dairy farm were measured using a combination of an inverse dispersion modeling technique and an open-path laser in summer and winter. It was found that the uncertainty of emission estimates owing to the spatial variation of animal densities in the three dairy farms was 8–12%, and the total uncertainty of the NH3 emission estimates owing to spatial variation in animal densities, distortion of wind flow by animal buildings, and the inverse dispersion calculation was estimated to be less than 30%. The NH3 emission rates obtained from the "Barn only" farm (28–43 g head−1d − 1) were lower than the rates from the conventional "Barn+Lot" farms (93–184 g head−1d − 1), indicating emission mitigation of 71–76%. In comparison with the conventional dairy farms, the "Barn only" dairy farm had a lower NH3 loss potential, most likely due to the greater animal density, frequent manure removal, and lower crude protein feed. However, more field measurements of such comparisons are necessary to provide robust suggestions for mitigating environmental risks.

A decrease in taxonomic and functional diversity of dung beetles impacts the ecosystem function of manure removal in altered subtropical habitats.

The loss of biodiversity—caused mainly by habitat destruction—is one of the environmental problems with major repercussions on ecosystem functioning. Nevertheless, our understanding of the functional consequences of habitat changes on the communities and ecosystems remains limited to a small number of case studies. We evaluated the change in taxonomic and functional diversity of copro-necrophagous beetles (Scarabaeinae) and their relationship with the varying environmental factors present in four habitats with different degrees of disturbance. Furthermore, we evaluated how changes in taxonomic and functional diversity affect the rates of excrement removal. The collections were carried out at four locations in the state of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, on natural systems with different degrees of disturbances (forests in advanced and initial succession) and agroecosystems (silviculture and pastures dedicated to livestock). We collected a total of 1266 dung beetles distributed in 35 species and classified into 11 functional groups. The taxonomic and functional diversity analyses showed that habitats that still maintain an arboreal stratum do not present differences between them, in contrast to habitats dedicated to livestock where there was a significant loss of species and functional groups. The distance between the trees, as well as the air and soil temperatures were determining factors in the selection of species and functional groups. Some of these environmental factors explain the differences in functional traits, represented as varying abundances of the species found. The rates of manure removal from the ecosystem were positively correlated to taxonomic and functional richness as well as biomass of beetles. Thus, we can conclude that habitats with tree strata have the capacity to preserve a larger proportion of the regional set of species as well as the important ones, while preserving the taxonomic and functional diversity and the ecosystem functions, such as the excrement removal rate.