Research
Air Quality
Before it can be determined if animal operations are
subject to the EPA Clean Air Act emission threshold,
the actual emissions from all types of animal production
systems need to be measured and analyzed. Several projects
are being conducted to measure gaseous, particulate and odor
emissions from livestock and poultry production systems.
Interaction between compounds, such as ammonia
and hydrogen sulfide, are being studied to determine
whether mixtures of compounds present a different risk than
individual gases.
 Human health research is also continuing to evaluate
the potential risks associated with air emissions from
animal
production systems. Methods for reducing emissions of gases,
dust and odors from animal production systems, manure
storage facilities and manure land application sites are
also being studied. Researchers
are interested in identifying methods to
reduce the compounds
being released from animal operations to minimize
complaints from neighbors of these facilities. |
Nutrient
Management
Numerous research projects designed to help find alternative
uses for manure solids are under way. Products include
stable fertilizer products, such as composted material, or
pelletized manure that can be burned for fuel. Energy
production through manure digestion also is being studied.
Research on the impact of different manure application
methods and timing of manure application is being conducted
to help producers better manage the land application of
manure on agricultural fields.
Water Quality
Water quality is used as an indicator of how well the pork
industry manages its by-products. Research to determine the
effectiveness of DNA source tracking in identifying sources
of bacteria has been helpful in developing management
practices to reduce runoff into
water bodies.
Because phosphorus can cause excessive plant growth
in lakes and streams, research is being done to show
how changing the dietary input will affect the nutrient
composition of livestock manure. Bio-mass recovery,
composting of livestock manure with other materials and dead
animal composting are being studied to determine more
efficient and effective ways of disposing of swine
by-products. Research is the tool to understanding the
rationale |
