A20 Regular cleaning of floors in animal housing
Last Update:
| Measure | Sector | Net Effect | Impact | Reliability | Tech. rqmt. | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NH3 | N2O | NOx | Nr to water | N2 | ||||||
A20 Regular cleaning of floors in animal housing  | Sector Livestock farming | Net Effect 2 | NH3 2 | N2O  | NO2 | Nr to water | N2 | Reliability Robust | Tech. rqmts. Low |
Overview
Ammonia is generated through the breakdown of excreted urea in both the urine and faeces of animals. This process leads to the formation of ammonium ions in the liquid layer, such as slurry or urine pool, which can be subsequently lost to the atmosphere at the air-liquid layer boundary during the volatilisation phase. This can be a significant concern in livestock housing, especially when poor ventilation conditions permit the accumulation of higher concentrations of ammonia (Bittman et al., 2014). Elevated ammonia levels can potentially have adverse effects on the health of both animals and workers in the facility.
Thorough cleaning of walking areas in animal housing facilities can prove to be a valuable strategy to optimise nitrogen removal and storage. By regularly removing manure and slurry from the walking surfaces, the accumulation of nitrogen-rich waste is minimised, leading to reduced ammonia emissions. The prompt and efficient removal of manure and slurry allows for their proper containment and storage, preventing their breakdown and subsequent release of ammonia into the atmosphere.
Implementing effective cleaning practices is a reliable method to reduce ammonia emissions and offers additional benefits to overall nitrogen management. By minimising the emitting area through proper cleaning, the potential for nitrogen losses to the environment is significantly curtailed. This approach not only addresses environmental concerns associated with ammonia emissions but also contributes to improved nutrient utilisation in agricultural systems. By optimising nitrogen management through thorough cleaning, farmers can enhance sustainability, minimise the environmental footprint of animal housing, and contribute to overall ecological health.
Technological requirements for regular cleaning are considered ‘basic’ and can be carried out manually using a brush and a hose. However, a range of more technological options can be employed, including self-propelled manure scrapers (Figure 1), toothed scrapers for use with grooved flooring and even automated robotic cleaners (Figure 2).
Figure 1. Showing Self-propelled manure scraper. Image source: https://www.agriexpo.online/prod/tuchel-maschinenbau/product-170472-10552.html
Measure Efficiency
The percentage reduction in ammonia emissions achieved by regular cleaning of livestock housing can vary depending on several factors, including the specific cleaning practices implemented, the size of the livestock facility, the number of animals, and the initial level of ammonia emissions. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, scientific studies have shown that regular cleaning and effective manure management can lead to significant reductions in ammonia emissions.
In some cases, well-managed livestock housing facilities with proper cleaning practices have reported significant reductions in ammonia emissions compared to poorly managed ones. However, it's essential to note that these figures can vary widely based on the individual circumstances of each farm.
In a study of dairy housing conducted by Braam et al., (1997), a traditional slatted floor was compared with 2 different solid floor systems: a non-sloped (L) and a 3% one-sided sloped floor (S), combined with a highly frequent (96 times/day) or normal (12 times/day) removal of manure by a scraper. Increasing the scraping frequency from 12 to 96 times/day decreased NH3 emission (by 5% and 26% in L96 and S96, respectively).
However, to achieve substantial reductions in ammonia emissions, a comprehensive nitrogen management plan that includes proper ventilation, manure storage, and application practices is crucial. Implementing best management practices for ammonia mitigation, including regular cleaning, can be a crucial step towards achieving sustainable and environmentally friendly livestock operations.
How to implement
Implementing regular cleaning of livestock floors in livestock housing is essential to optimise a reduction in ammonia emissions. The following steps can help to achieve this:
- Design a suitable layout: Ensure that the livestock housing is designed with easy-to-clean flooring and proper drainage systems to facilitate efficient removal of manure and slurry.
- Establish a cleaning schedule: Create a cleaning schedule that outlines when and how often the floors should be cleaned. Regular cleaning is key, and the frequency may vary based on the number of animals and the specific housing conditions.
- Use proper cleaning equipment: Invest in suitable cleaning equipment, such as scrapers, brushes, or power washers, to effectively remove manure and slurry from the floors. The tools chosen should be appropriate for the type of flooring in use.
- Train personnel: Properly train the personnel responsible for cleaning the livestock housing. They should be familiar with the cleaning procedures and safety protocols to ensure effective and safe cleaning operations.
- Implement a waste management system: Set up a waste management system that efficiently collects and stores manure and slurry until proper disposal or use. This prevents the accumulation of waste on the floors and helps minimise ammonia emissions.
- Regularly inspect and maintain equipment: Regularly inspect and maintain cleaning equipment to ensure it functions optimally. Broken or poorly functioning equipment may lead to inadequate cleaning and increased ammonia emissions.
- Promote good ventilation: Adequate ventilation in livestock housing helps disperse ammonia and improves air quality. Combine proper ventilation with regular cleaning for more effective ammonia reduction.
- Consider alternative flooring materials: Depending on the livestock type and housing conditions, explore using flooring materials that are easier to clean and maintain, reducing ammonia build-up.
- Monitor and adjust: Continuously monitor ammonia levels in the livestock housing to assess the effectiveness of cleaning efforts. Adjust the cleaning schedule or practices if needed to further optimise ammonia reduction.
However, it is noted that reducing ammonia emissions is just one part of overall nitrogen management. Integrating regular cleaning with other practices like proper manure storage, nutrient management planning, and appropriate animal husbandry techniques will lead to a comprehensive approach to reducing ammonia emissions and promoting sustainable livestock farming.
Figure 2: Showing Lely Discovery robotic manure cleaner (Image source: https://www.lely.com/solutions/housing-and-caring/discovery/)
Benefits
Regular cleaning of livestock housing flooring offers numerous benefits that positively impact both the animals and the overall farm environment. Some of the key benefits include:
Overall, regular cleaning of livestock housing flooring is a fundamental aspect of responsible animal husbandry and sustainable farming practices. It not only benefits the animals' health and welfare but also contributes to a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone involved in the agricultural process.
Costs
Captial Costs
The capital costs of implementing regular cleaning of livestock housing flooring can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the facility, the type of flooring, the number of animals, and the specific cleaning equipment and technology chosen. Potential capital costs could include the following:
Operational Costs
The operational costs of regular cleaning of livestock housing flooring will depend on various factors, including the cleaning frequency, the number of animals, the type of cleaning equipment used, and labour costs. Potential operational costs to consider include:
Risks
While regular cleaning of livestock flooring offers numerous benefits, there are also some potential risks and challenges that need to be considered:
To mitigate these risks, farmers should implement proper cleaning protocols and training for personnel, use appropriate cleaning equipment and materials, and strike a balance between maintaining cleanliness and minimising stress for the animals. Additionally, integrating cleaning with a comprehensive nutrient management plan can help optimise ammonia reduction and minimise environmental impacts.
References
Bittman, S., M. Dedina, C.M. Howard, O. Oenema, and M.A. Sutton, editors. 2014. Options for Ammonia Mitigation: Guidance from the UNECE Task Force on Reactive Nitrogen. Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Edinburgh, UK.
Braam, C.R., J.J.M.H. Ketelaars, and M.C.J. Smits. 1997. Effects of floor design and floor cleaning on ammonia emission from cubicle houses for dairy cows. Netherlands J. Agric. Sci. 45(1): 49–64. doi: 10.18174/njas.v45i1.525.
Authors
Will Brownlie
UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Scotland