Tag Archives: housing

797–805 J. Priekulis, L. Melece and A. Laurs
Most appropriate measures for reducing ammonia emissions in Latvia’s pig and poultry housing
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Most appropriate measures for reducing ammonia emissions in Latvia’s pig and poultry housing

J. Priekulis¹, L. Melece²* and A. Laurs¹

¹Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Engineering, Institute of Agriculture Mashinery J.Čakstes bulv.6, LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia
²Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics, Department of Economics, Struktoru str. 14, LV-1039, Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: ligita.melece@arei.lv

Abstract:

New goals of ammonia emissions reduction for each of EU Member State, including Latvia, were approved by the EU Directive 2016/2284/EU ‘on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants’. Agriculture sector, particularly livestock farming, is the main source of these emissions. Besides, the implementation of modern or intensive animal rearing/breeding technologies causes the increase of emissions in Latvia. Therefore, more effective ammonia abatement measures or techniques should be chosen for implementation in Latvia to reach the objectives. The description and benefits of such measures are provided in the guidelines and recommendations developed and approved by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the European Commission. However, all of these recommendations are not applicable in Latvia. Therefore, the aim of research was to find most appropriate ammonia emissions abatement measures for pig and poultry farming in Latvia. The study was focused on the intensive pig and poultry farming, particularly animal housing. Evaluation or assessment of most appropriate ammonia emissions’ reduction measures was conducted using an expert method. The results of the study indicate that it is possible to ensure reduction of ammonia emissions by comparatively simple and less expensive options that could be more or less easy implemented (e.g. ensuring cleanness in the livestock building, periodical removal of manure, covering of poultry litter or solid manure stockpiles with plastic sheeting, etc.). Even more effective reduction of ammonia emissions can be achieved by implementation of measures, which require significant investments, as well as additional operating costs.

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646-655 G. Bambi, G. Rossi and M. Barbari
Comparison between different types of bedding materials for horses
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Comparison between different types of bedding materials for horses

G. Bambi, G. Rossi and M. Barbari*

University of Firenze, Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Systems (GESAAF), Via San Bonaventura 13, IT50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: matteo.barbari@unifi.it

Abstract:

The sports horse lives a large part of the time inside the pen in constant contact with the bedding. Therefore the bedding material can deeply affect the welfare and health of horses kept in pens. The materials have to ensure the realization of a double aim: to create a comfortable and soft surface on which the animal can stand and relax; to give appropriate hygienic and sanitary conditions. Other important factors influence the choice, such as: the material must not be appetizing for the horse; the litter has to maintain a proper level of moisture, so that the hoof is kept healthy, elastic and hydrated. Also the costs for material and litter management have to be taken into account. In the present study, different organic materials are compared: wood chips, hemp, rice, flax and coconut. The trials took place in five box stalls, with square plan of 3 x 3 m. Environmental data were collected during the trials (air temperature and humidity, ammonia concentration, litter moisture). Management data were also collected, regarding the use of bedding materials, working time, costs. In the paper the main results of the comparison between the different litter materials used in horses pens are presented.

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