Floor trials may keep ammonia emissions down

15 February 2002

Floor trials may keep ammonia emissions down

By Hannah Velten

FINDINGS from trials of housing systems, particularly flooring modifications, could cut ammonia emissions in slatted housing and lead to cleaner, healthier pigs.

The study at ADAS Terrington, headed by Roger Kay, is due to end in August and results could be practically relevant for Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control compliance.

Five systems have been purpose built at the centre (see panel), each with differing slurry surface areas. A group of 10 grower/finisher pigs are kept in each pen for 10 weeks.

Ammonia concentrations in the air are being monitored by Silsoe Research Institute.

But it is equally important to determine whether building modifications are affecting the physical and psychological health of pigs, says the centres Jon Day.

"We are monitoring pig health and feed intake carefully, but also how they use the pen area to determine whether growing pigs will keep clean. &#42

Housing design (Dutch system pictured) might cut ammonia emission, but the welfare of pigs must not be jeopardised, says ADAS researcher Jon Day.

&#8226 UK fully-slatted system.

&#8226 Rubber pad over middle floor area, slats left uncovered at either end.

&#8226 Concrete over middle area and walls built vertically down to cut off slurry area underneath.

&#8226 UK part-slatted system.

&#8226 Dutch system: Cambered concrete middle area, the main metal slatted dunging area has a v-shaped funnel underneath leading to slurry pit.