Particulate Matter (PM10), Hydrogen Sulfide, Ammonia, and Odor Emissions from Minnesota Pig Farrowing Facilities

Larry Jacobson, Professor
David Schmidt, Assistant Extension Engineer
Rebecca Morrison, Animal Scientist, West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris, MN
Verlyn Johnson, Information Technology Professional

Funding Source

Minnesota Pork Producers Association

Objective

The objective of the research project is to determine dust (PM10), ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and odor emissions from deep-bedded and conventional pig farrowing facilities in Minnesota.

Need or Impact

Air emission data from conventional housing (slatted floor) and alternative housing (deep-bedded) farrowing facilities is needed to provide swine producers in the state with information for decision-making purposes on the type of facilities to build and if these units will conform to state and federal air emission standards.

Project Status

Emission data from two farrowing cycles have been collected. Concentrations of ammonia have been higher in the deep-bedded unit while hydrogen sulfide concentrations have been higher in the conventional slatted floor barn. Air flow rates through the barns have been measured but need to be used along with gas concentration data to determine emission rates from the two units. Data will continue to be collected during the next three to four farrowing cycles, concluding in the summer of 2004.