The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the Good Neighbor System (GNS) at reducing gaseous emissions from swine facilities under full-scale production conditions. Also, the impacts of the GNS on manure composition and animal performance and on the costs associated with adopting the system on typical swine facilities were evaluated.
The GNS, a commercially available program, consists of three processes, as follows:
1. Treatment of the stored manure with a neutralizing agent to increase the pH of the slurry to reduce the release of hydrogen sulfide and volatile fatty acids (major components of “swine odor”) from the manure.
2. Covering the surface of the manure in the pit with a liquid oil “lid” to reduce gaseous emissions.
3. Spraying the building air space with an atomized oil-based liquid acidifier to reduce ammonia and dust levels within the building.
The GNS is fully automated and, after installation, requires limited labor input.