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Observations and Management of Livestock Production Emissions

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A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Air Quality".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 April 2023) | Viewed by 18782

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. David Janke

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Guest Editor

Department Engineering for Livestock Management, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Interests: ammonia and GHG emissions; natural ventilation; barn climate; wind tunnel modeling; computational fluid dynamics; fluid mechanics

Dr. Sabrina Hempel

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Guest Editor

Department Engineering for Livestock Management, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Interests: livestock emissions; naturally ventilated housing; air exchange; airflow and dispersion pattern; barn climate; time series analysis; mathematic modelling; sustainable livestock production; climate change
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Chaoyuan Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Agricultural Structure and Bioenvironmental Engineering, College of Water Resources and Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Interests: air emission quantification and mitigation; indoor environmental quality control; animal behaviour monitoring

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Among the great challenges of our century are the supply of a fast growing world population with high quantity and quality nutrient needs, and the combat against air pollution and climate change including their negative impacts on environmental, animal and human health. Livestock farming plays a central role in this context as it produces and utilizes nutrients and waste. Contemporary husbandry systems are associated with considerable emissions of greenhouse gases and aerosols as well as extensive nitrogen losses to the environment. By that, they contribute essentially to climate change, air pollution and changes in plant coverage including loss of biodiversity. Conversely, livestock farming is also considerably affected by the changing climate, for the systems where natural ventilation is involved in particularly. Balancing the trade-offs between environmental, animal and human health requires detailed observations of emissions and co-variables or co-factors to shape the emission dynamics. The evaluation of emission reduction strategies must start with a reliable quantification on pollutant gas emissions. These strategies can include optimization of the airflow by adapting the opening geometries, conditioning the air (targeting on acceleration and cooling above the animals), adjusting the cleaning intervals, modifying the feed composition, etc. A sustainable management of livestock production requires the availability of a data infrastructure to monitor representative emission values and co-variables as well as a set of digital models that describe the complex interactions and permit adequate and timely control.

This special issue invites contributions on strategies and approaches to monitor and/or predict emissions of greenhouse gases, ammonia, bioaerosols or other air pollutants. The contributions related to measurement and/or prediction of co-variable / co-factors for emission modelling, such as indoor climate, feed composition, intake and digestibility, microbiological activity, heat stress, etc., are also very welcome. Studies that address the interrelation between pollutant emissions from livestock husbandry and animal health and welfare or that assess emission mitigation strategies are of particular interests.

Dr. David Janke
Dr. Sabrina Hempel
Prof. Dr. Chaoyuan Wang
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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13 pages, 10486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Low-Cost Wireless Sensor Network for Barn Climate and Emission Monitoring—Intermediate Results

by David Janke, Michael Bornwin, Kobe Coorevits, Sabrina Hempel, Philippe van Overbeke, Peter Demeyer, Aditya Rawat, Arnout Declerck, Thomas Amon and Barbara Amon

Atmosphere 2023, 14(11), 1643; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14111643 - 31 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1080

Abstract

A barn’s climate is vital for animal welfare and emissions control, including greenhouse gases like methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO

_{2}

) and environmental gases like ammonia (NH

_{3}

). The goal of this study was to investigate a developed [...] Read more.

A barn’s climate is vital for animal welfare and emissions control, including greenhouse gases like methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO

_{2}

) and environmental gases like ammonia (NH

_{3}

). The goal of this study was to investigate a developed low-cost online tool for monitoring barn climate and air pollutant emissions (OTICE) in naturally ventilated barns. OTICE employed a wireless sensor network with low-cost sensors for gases and climate variables, allowing scalable use across multiple barns. We evaluated the sensors for CO

_{2}

, NH

_{3}

, and CH₄ for accuracy, both in controlled lab conditions and in a dairy barn in Germany, where measurements were carried out continuously for a duration of 12 days. For the averaged concentration levels over the measurement period, the low-cost sensors agreed well with the reference system, with relative deviations lower than 7% for all three gases, with maximum peak deviations up to 32% for CO

_{2}

, 67% for NH

_{3}

, and 65% for CH

_{4}

, with strong Spearman correlations for CO

_{2}

and NH

_{3}

(

ρ_{{C O}_{2}}

= 0.8,

ρ_{{N H}_{3}}

= 0.68) and a rather weak correlation for CH₄ with

ρ_{{C H}_{4}}

= 0.24. Further calibration and stability investigations are required, especially for CH₄ sensing. However, the overall good results for NH

_{3}

and especially CO

_{2}

measurements indicate a huge potential of the low-cost system as a valuable tool for monitoring relative NH

_{3}

emission levels and the measurement of air exchange rates in naturally ventilated barns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Observations and Management of Livestock Production Emissions)

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13 pages, 6117 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from Farms Effluents: Interest of HS-SPME-GC-MS Technique for Laboratory and Field Test

by Nicolas Joguet, Lun Jing, Frank Jamois and Philippe Dumargue

Atmosphere 2023, 14(6), 928; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14060928 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2327

Abstract

Livestock is an important source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause odor nuisance and pollution. The main sources of these VOCs in livestock are effluents and their management system. In this study, the applicability of headspace-solid phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) for VOC characterization in effluent samples in both laboratory and field tests was evaluated. In the laboratory test, the VOC profile of different farm effluents (cattle dung, slurry and chicken droppings) was measured as well as the influence of the presence of litter material on their release. In the field test, a comparison was made between the VOC profile of two manure pits that had undergone treatment or not to assist in effluent management. The results presented here show that the HS-SPME-GC-MS technique allows one to quantify a wide spectrum of VOCs responsible for olfactory nuisances (177 and 73 VOCs in total for the laboratory and field tests, respectively) in a simple, fast, and economic way. This technique could be further developed to monitor olfactory nuisance markers and predict the evolution of different effluent materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Observations and Management of Livestock Production Emissions)

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18 pages, 2287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intensive Silvopastoral Systems Mitigate Enteric Methane Emissions from Cattle

by Gustavo Flores-Coello, Juan H. Hernández-Medrano, Juan Ku-Vera, Daniel Diaz, Francisco J. Solorio-Sánchez, Lucero Sarabia-Salgado and Francisco Galindo

Atmosphere 2023, 14(5), 863; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14050863 - 12 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2021

Abstract

Assessments of the efficiency of grazing systems, in terms of productivity and ecological sustainability, are necessary in view of the increased demand for animal protein. In this study, the methane (CH₄) emissions (sniffer methodology), dry matter (DM) yield, paddock chemical composition (AOAC and Van Soest methods), nutrient intake (dry matter, DMI; crude protein, CPI; metabolizable energy, MEI), daily milk yield (DMY), body condition score (BCS), and body weight (BW) of cattle, in intensive silvopastoral systems (ISPSs) and monoculture systems (MSs), in the tropics of Mexico were evaluated. In the ISPS, CH₄ emissions (18% less) and DMY were lower than in the MS. Cows from MSs tend to disperse across higher values of CH₄ emissions per kg of DMI, as well as higher milk production, while cows from the ISPS were dispersed over a higher intake (DMI, CPI, and MEI) and lower CH₄ emissions. There were no differences between systems in paddock DM yield, chemical composition, cows’ BCS, and BW, regardless of whether it was the dry (April to May) and rainy (September to October) season. Based on the results obtained in this study, ISPSs contribute to the mitigation of methane emissions in cattle; forage and animal production variables in both systems were similar, with a lower use of imported inputs in the ISPS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Observations and Management of Livestock Production Emissions)

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11 pages, 277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Feeding a Commercial Starch Binding Agent during Heat Stress on Enteric Methane Emission, Rumen Volatile Fatty Acid Contents, and Diet Digestibility of Merino Lambs

by Pragna Prathap, Surinder S. Chauhan, Brian J. Leury, Jeremy J. Cottrell, Aleena Joy, Minghao Zhang and Frank R. Dunshea

Atmosphere 2023, 14(3), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14030605 - 22 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1135

Abstract

Twenty-four Merino lambs were allocated to three dietary treatment groups to determine the effects of a dietary starch and protein binding agent and heat stress on methane (CH₄) emissions and rumen parameters. The diets were a wheat-based diet (WD), a 2% Bioprotect™ (Bioprotect™, RealisticAgri, Rutland, UK) treated wheat-based diet (BD), and a maize-based diet (MD) for 3 periods of 1-week duration. During Period 1 (P1) the lambs were maintained under thermoneutral conditions and at a 1.7 × Maintenance (M) level. During P2 and P3, the lambs were maintained under cyclic heat stress conditions and fed at 1.7 × M and 2.0 × M, respectively. Total CH₄ production was lower for the BD diet than the WD diet, which in turn was lower than the MD diet (p < 0.001). Total CH₄ production was lower during P2 than P1 with P3 intermediate (p = 0.04). Rumen total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentrations were higher for the WD diet than the MD diet with the BD diet intermediate (p = 0.01). Rumen TVFA concentrations were lower during heat stress than under thermoneutral conditions (p < 0.001). Whole tract starch digestibility was higher for the BD and WD diets than the MD diet (p < 0.001). In conclusion, feeding Merino lambs the BD diet reduces CH₄ emissions without reducing starch digestibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Observations and Management of Livestock Production Emissions)

14 pages, 2858 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Odour and Ammonia Impacts for a Novel Fattening Piggery Tailored for Animal Welfare and Low Emission Rates

by Dietmar Oettl, Eduard Zentner, Andreas Zentner, Robert Mair, Hannah Oettl and Michael Kropsch

Atmosphere 2023, 14(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14010075 - 30 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1464

Abstract

According to the European Commission, Austria is obliged to reduce ammonia emissions by 12% between 2005 and 2030. Agriculture, in particular livestock buildings and the spreading of manure, is the predominant source of ammonia in most countries, calling for stringent mitigation measures in this area. This study investigated a combination of measures implemented in a newly constructed fattening piggery in Styria (Austria) for reducing ammonia, particulate matter (not subject of this publication), and odour emissions. Additionally, the livestock building should meet standards to enhance animal welfare as well. Based on observed ammonia concentrations at several locations in the vicinity of the farm as well as field inspections for odour according to EN 16841-1, corresponding emission factors were derived using the Lagrangian particle model GRAL and in situ measurements of meteorology. The resulting emission factor for ammonia was found to be 80% lower compared to the standard emission factor of 3.64 kg a⁻¹ for fattening piggeries according to the German guideline VDI 3894-1. Moreover, the emission factor for odour was 95% lower than the standard factor of 0.180 ou_E kg⁻¹ s⁻¹ used in Styria for conventional fattening piggeries without any reduction techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Observations and Management of Livestock Production Emissions)

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12 pages, 831 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of the Three Approaches for Determining Ammonia Emissions in the Intensive Breeding of Fattening Pigs with Respect to the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control: Case Study for the Czech Republic

by Radim Kunes, Zbynek Havelka, Pavel Olsan, Antonin Dolan, Radim Stehlik, Bojana Petrovic, Lubos Smutny, Petr Bartos, Maohua Xiao, Pavel Kriz and Pavel Cerny

Atmosphere 2022, 13(12), 2084; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13122084 - 10 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1158

Abstract

This study compares three approaches in the monitoring of ammonia (NH₃) emissions from intensive breeding of fattening pigs in relation to compliance with the standards arising from the requirements of Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) used in the Czech Republic. The first approach was based on the determination of NH₃ emissions calculation by measurement using reduced sampling days focused on the final fattening phase. The second approach was based on the determination of NH₃ emissions calculation by measurement respecting the Best Reference Document for Intensive Rearing of Poultry or Pig (BREF IRPP) and relevant best available techniques (BAT) conclusions under Directive 2010/75/EU. The third approach was based on estimation by using emission factors respecting BREF IRPP and Methodological Instruction of the Air Protection Department of the Czech Republic. The results show that the determined emission factors in the Czech Republic may not always reflect the actual production of NH₃ emissions even when reduced by the applied BAT. Determination of NH₃ emissions calculation by measurement respecting BREF IRPP represents the predominant phases of fattening (refinement) and microclimatic conditions; however, it is time and money-consuming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Observations and Management of Livestock Production Emissions)

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15 pages, 1567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methane, Nitrous Oxide, and Ammonia Emissions on Dairy Farms in Spain with or without Bio-Activator Treatment

by Macarena San Martin Ruiz, Jesús Eugenio González Puelles, Juan Herra Bogantes, William Rivera-Méndez, Martin Reiser and Martin Kranert

Atmosphere 2022, 13(6), 893; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13060893 - 31 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2886

Abstract

Intensive livestock farming substantially impacts the environment, especially farm and slurry management. Slurries are significant sources of greenhouse gases and ammonia. The present study was conducted in an intensive livestock production system in Galicia, Spain. The measurements were taken at six different farms in that region along with one control using common management practices in Galicia without the addition of a bio-activator. This study aimed to quantify GHGs and NH₃ fluxes and their reductions during slurry treatment using a dynamic chamber through FTIR analysis and to examine the potential of usage of bio-activators for slurry management. In addition, gas concentrations were measured at the barns and compared with their slurry management and architectural volume to obtain influences on their management and the architectural volume of the barns. Additionally, the effects of using a bio-activator in the barns inside the facility areas were addressed. Moreover, qPCR analysis was conducted to understand the correlations between syncoms and methanogen populations when a bio-activator is added to the slurry with at least a 30% reduction in methanogenic populations. The outcomes suggest encouraging results for GHG reductions in the livestock sector, giving farmers future options for climate change mitigation among their standard practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Observations and Management of Livestock Production Emissions)

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18 pages, 1735 KiB

Open AccessReview

Anaerobic Digestion and Alternative Manure Management Technologies for Methane Emissions Mitigation on Californian Dairies

by Hamed M. El Mashad, Tyler J. Barzee, Roberta Brancher Franco, Ruihong Zhang, Stephen Kaffka and Frank Mitloehner

Atmosphere 2023, 14(1), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14010120 - 05 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3992

Abstract

California is the leading dairy state in the United States. The total sale of milk and its products represents about $6.3 billion annually out of the $50 billion generated from all agricultural production in the state. However, methane emissions from dairy manure and enteric fermentation represented nearly half of all annual methane emissions in California, with dairy manure accounting for 25%, and enteric fermentation for 20%. Methane emissions originating from manure are produced primarily from anaerobic settling basins and lagoons, which are the most common manure storage systems in the state. To achieve sustainability on dairy farms and to comply with state regulations for air and climate pollutants, dairy farms have implemented technologies such as anaerobic digestion and alternative manure management technologies. In addition, governmental incentive programs have been deployed to partially fund these technologies for eligible dairies in the state. The present article reviews the design and operations, effectiveness, and economics of the most common technologies employed in Californian dairies in reducing methane emissions. The technologies studied include anaerobic digesters, mechanical separators, compost-bedded pack barns, manure vacuuming followed by drying, and weeping walls. The current status and estimated effectiveness of government incentive programs are reviewed and recommendations for improvements presented. Finally, future trends and research needs for mitigating the emissions in Californian dairies are identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Observations and Management of Livestock Production Emissions)

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22 pages, 381 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review: Comparison of Approaches to the Approval Process and Methodology for Estimation of Ammonia Emissions from Livestock Farms under IPPC

by Radim Kunes, Zbynek Havelka, Pavel Olsan, Lubos Smutny, Martin Filip, Tomas Zoubek, Roman Bumbalek, Bojana Petrovic, Radim Stehlik and Petr Bartos

Atmosphere 2022, 13(12), 2006; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13122006 - 29 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1807

Abstract

Ammonia (NH₃) emissions have a negative impact on the welfare of breeding animals, human health, and the environment. These influences of modern intensive agriculture have led to numerous protocols, national regulations, and European Directives. Following previous regulatory measures, the Commission Implementing Decision European Union (EU) 2017/302 on 15 February 2017 has established best available technique (BAT) conclusions, under Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and the Council, for the intensive rearing of poultry and pigs. This applies to intensive poultry and pig producers with a capacity of over 40,000 poultry, 750 sows, or 2000 fattening pigs. Due to the application of this directive, air emissions have been reduced by between 40% and 75% over the last 15 years. The integrated permit monitors the entire environmental burden of the farm on its surroundings (air pollution, water, soil pollution, waste production, energy use). This review aims to provide a critical overview of how member states (including the United Kingdom) are approaching the implementation of IPPC (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control) and the conclusions of BAT in their legislation and related documents, and how they monitor NH₃ emissions from intensive livestock farming. The data for this review were obtained from 2019 to 2020. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Observations and Management of Livestock Production Emissions)

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