Gas and PM emissions from deep-bedded and slatted floor farrowing buildings

Ammonia, Hydrogen Sulfide, Odor, and PM ₁₀ concentrations and emissions were measured simultaneously from a deep-bedded group-sow farrowing barn and a conventional slatted-floor, crated farrowing barn. Both barns are adjacent to one another and located at the West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) near Morris, MN. Data collection started in October of 2003 and ran through June of 2004. This paper includes results from four farrowing cycles that cover cold, mild, and warm weather conditions and consisted of measurements for four weeks during each cycle. NH ₃ and H ₂S were continuously monitored in both buildings while a 24-hour PM ₁₀ sample and instantaneous odor samples were collected weekly and once during each farrowing cycle, respectively. Exhaust fan operations were monitored in each barn with the fans having been calibrated to determine airflow rates. In addition, static pressures were also monitored in each barn along with temperature and moisture content of the air. Results of the emission rates for the indicated parameters are compared for each of the farrowing cycles monitored and expressed on a per animal unit (AU = 500 kg) basis. H ₂S and odor emissions were highest from the conventional deep-pit room. NH ₃ emission was higher from the deep-bedded room during the summer farrowing, but was otherwise similar to the other barn during the other seasonal conditions. PM ₁₀ emission was also higher from the deep-pit room.