Odor remains a complex issue with both a measurable component based on the presence of specific gases and upon individual sensitivity to humans. Researchers have found over 100 odorous compounds identified in livestock waste.

Odorous gases can be produced at a number of sites around a livestock operation. The most common odor sources, however, are the floor and other surfaces of buildings and pens, the surfaces of animals, the manure collection and storage facilities, feed storage facilities, dead animal disposal and storage areas, and manure exposed to the air during land application. Each of these odor sources has received research attention, and technologies exist that can be employed in response to the issue.

The Air Management Assessment Tool has a section addressing various practices and technologies that can be used to help control odors.

Air Management Assessment Tool