Zone Heating for Wean-to-Finish Facilities: A Performance Comparison

Farm research trials were conducted in 2003 and 2004 to assess the effects of the type of zone heater and floor mat used in a wean-to-finish building on the thermal environment created for newly weaned pigs and resulting pig performance. Modulated LP gas-fired brooder heaters were compared to electric heat lamps, and floor mats made from farm-cut wood sheathing (3/8” oriented-strand board, OSB) were compared to commercial [unheated] rubber mats in a replicated 2x2 factorial experiment. No consistent differences in air temperature near the heating zone were found between either of the treatments, with treatment means within 1oF of each other in both trials. In pens having modulated gas-fired heaters, black-globe temperatures just outside the heating zone were consistently warmer (+2-2.5oF, P\u3c0.05) than in pens with heat lamps. Black-globe temperatures were also warmer in pens with OSB mats (+0.5-2oF) than in pens with rubber floor mats. Conversely, the temperature of exposed mat surface area was warmer (93.9oF vs. 86.3oF on average, P\u3c0.001) under the heat lamps than under the brooders. However, no significant difference was found in pig dorsal surface temperature. There was some evidence (P\u3c0.10) that the temperatures of exposed mat surface areas were slightly warmer with rubber mats than with OSB sheathing (91.4oF vs. 88.9oF), but no corresponding difference in pig surface temperatures was found. Overall, no statistically significant treatment differences in pig performance were found at the end of the zone-heating periods. Slightly higher rates of gain during the first week were found in pens using modulated gas-fired brooders than with heat lamps, but this advantage was not sustained. Time-lapse video footage helped document pig activity, but any differences that may have existed in pig activity did not noticeably influence performance. Daily energy consumption rates averaged 0.025 gal/pig/d for the LP gas-fired brooders and 0.40 kWh/pig/d for the electric heat lamps. For electricity prices ranging from 6 to 12 ¢/kWh and LP gas prices of 0.70-1.40/gal, annualized equipment & operating costs varied from 1.26 to $2.26 per pig place for electric heat lamps and$2.26 to $3.00 for the gas-fired brooders. Unless gas prices are low relative to electric rates, or some other financial benefit is obtained by using gas-fired brooders, heat lamps would appear to have an economic advantage for producers due to their lower unit fixed cost in equipment

Facilitating Use of the Odor Footprint Tool by Nebraska Pork Producers

The goal of this project was to make Odor Footprint Tool (OFT) resources readily usable by pork producers and their technical advisors as a planning and screening tool when siting swine facilities. Detailed odor footprints for five specified sizes of swine facilities were developed for twenty-four locations throughout Nebraska: six regional sites and three “localized” sites within each region. Each odor footprint shows the predicted odor annoyance-free frequency as a function of the distance from the facility. Footprints developed using localized weather data differed only slightly from footprints produced using weather data from a regional site when the general topography of the sites was similar. However, when the general topography of sites was noticeably different, the footprints differed considerably. Simplified regional odor footprints generally missed 10-15% of the risk-based odor impact area for localized sites in this study, while being 75% too large overall on an area basis. A graphical approach was developed to illustrate how a county‟s setback requirements compared to science-based estimates of frequency of exposure to annoying odor levels. The effect of reduced odor emissions from implementing odor control was illustrated using odor footprints. The footprints showed reductions in areas that were generally similar to the reductions in emissions when using odor control. Pork producers in Nebraska were informed about the Odor Footprint Tool via presentations made at the 2008 Nebraska Pork Industry Day. Training workshops on use of the OFT were provided to key industry representatives to expand utilization of the OFT resources

Effects of Manure Handling and Application Method on Odor and Gas Emission Potential of Swine Manure

Manure composition and emissions potential of swine manure were investigated in opposing contexts of desired and undesired methane generation. In the main study, the full-scale treatment effects of anaerobic digestion on the air emissions potential of swine manure were investigated. Manure slurry and digester effluent samples were collected from a pork production facility in eastern Nebraska that utilizes a complete-mix anaerobic digester to treat the manure and produce biogas for use in generating electricity. Samples were collected from three sites in the manure stream (below-barn pit, digester outlet, and holding pond) from 9/22/08 through 12/2/09 in order to observe changes in manure composition as a result of manure treatment and over time. Significant differences were observed in nearly all chemical and odorous compound constituents between the samples collected from the three locations studied at this operation. When compared for each sampling date, the concentration of manure constituents usually decreased as the manure was digested and stored. This pattern held true on eight of the twelve sampling dates, but for three consecutive sampling events the methane digester was not functioning well and produced little methane. When the digester was operating as designed, chemical oxygen demand was reduced by an average of 45%, odorous volatile fatty acids were reduced by an average of 66%, and ammonia increased by an average of 58%. A very clear trend was for odorous compounds to decrease in concentration as the manure slurry moved through the digester and as the effluent was subsequently stored in the basin. Volatile fatty acids (VFA) were consistently detected in all samples with branched-chain VFA comprising \u3c10% of the total VFA. The proportion of total VFA that were branched-chain VFA was higher in the digester than in the pit when the digester was performing as designed. Aromatic compounds were also detected, but were in lower concentrations compared to VFA. The project also facilitated extensive compositional analyses of twenty-six manure and foam samples that were collected from deep-pit pork production facilities in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska. The analyses included a standard manure analysis (for pH, solids contents, and macro and micronutrient levels); a feed analysis (for protein, fiber and energy composition); and a fat analysis (for levels of 45 different VFAs). In subsequent statistical analysis by the University of Minnesota, correlations were found between fat content and foam, but no other correlations could be established

Laying the Groundwork for Odor Control and Setback Estimation in Nebraska

The goal of this field research study was to validate use of the Odor Footprint Tool (OFT) with livestock building sources in rural communities. The primary objective was to evaluate the accuracy of predictions of annoyance potential (as projected by odor concentration output data from AERMOD® - the OFT\u27s underlying dispersion model) when compared to measures of annoyance potential made in the field. Odor assessors were trained to monitor odors around a 4,800-head finishing site in eastern Nebraska. During the summer of 2005, mobile odor assessors monitored odor levels at downwind locations. During the spring and summer of 2006, another set of mobile odor assessors monitored odor levels at downwind locations, while neighbors of the operation monitored odors at their residences. Modeling was performed for coinciding time periods using data from an on-site weather station and a \u27blue book\u27 OFT odor emission rate. Mobile odor assessor data identified 22 instances out of 216 off-site downwind assessments where the state of odor was annoying based upon the odor concentration (group geometric mean) being 7 dilutions to threshold or greater. Similarly, in 20 off-site assessments, assessors rated the state of odor to be consequentially annoying, out of 192 instances where such ratings were provided. When modeling was performed for all coinciding time periods at off-site locations, predicted odor concentrations exceeded the threshold value 20 and 18 times, compared to 22 and 20 times when annoying states of odor existed based upon the measured concentration and rated annoyance potential, respectively. In each case, there was at least 90% agreement in the frequency of annoyance. Five area residents evaluated the state of odor during three periods each day: daylight, nighttime, and twilight hours. Based upon an evaluation of composite data from these residents, livestock odor was detected and rated as being at an annoying state in 9.1% and 4.2%, respectively, of 1,007 total readings, for a composite odor annoyance-free frequency of roughly 96%. Given the locations of the residences with respect to the three swine production facilities in the area, predicted individual odor annoyance-free frequencies using the Odor Footprint Tool ranged from 90 to 99%. Annoyance frequencies for individual residents ranged from 0 to 11.4% and showed considerable variation due to individual biases (some residents were for and some against having the swine facilities in the area), senses of smell, data collection times, etc. The composite annoyance-free frequency based upon information supplied by area residents was comfortably within the predicted range. Additional objectives of this project involved pilot-testing the Odor Footprint Tool within a rural community for a proposed pork production facility; and installing a biofilter on a pork production facility to demonstrate this technology and the potential for reducing odor impacts on rural communities. The Odor Footprint Tool was used during planning and zoning commission consideration of an application for construction of a new swine finishing facility, and was successful in focusing discussion of odor on objective matters. At the very end of the project, a collaborator agreed to construct a biofilter to treat exhaust air from the facility to reduce the impact on some nearby neighbors. Via this project, rural residents have seen how the Odor Footprint Tool can be used to evaluate the odor impact of a livestock operation and have been provided information that enhances confidence in the planning and screening tool

Corn Oil Supplementation on Performance and Methane Production in Finishing Steers

A finishing trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of corn oil on animal performance, carcass characteristics, and methane production in finishing cattle. Corn oil was supplemented at 3% of the diet (dry matterbasis) and led to a decrease in intake, a numerical improvement in average daily gain, and improved feed efficiency compared to the control cattle. Dry matter intake while in the methane barn was not decreased between treatments, although it was numerically similar to what was observed outside of the methane barn. Corn oil did not affect any carcass parameters. Methane production (g/d) was reduced with the inclusion of corn oil compared to the control. Methane (g/lb of gain) was also reduced with the inclusion of corn oil compared to the control. A numerical reduction of methane (g/lb of intake) was observed when corn oil was included in the diet. Corn oil appears to be a viable option for both improving performance as well as decreasing methane production in beef cattle finishing diets

Evaluation of growth performance, carcass characteristics, and methane and CO\u3csub\u3e2\u3c/sub\u3e emissions of growing and finishing cattle raised in extensive or partial-intensive cow-calf production systems

An experiment was conducted over 2 yr to measure performance and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of weaned calves from two cow-calf production systems. Crossbred steers and heifers (n = 270, initial body weight (BW) = 207 kg, SD = 35) were used in a randomized complete block design, with treatments applied to the cow-calf system. Treatments were: 1) a traditional system consisting of April to June calving with smooth bromegrass pasture and grazed corn residue as forage resources (TRAD); 2) an alternative system consisting of July to September calving utilizing partial-drylot feeding, summer-planted oats, and corn residue grazing (ALT). Calves from both production systems were weaned at the same age and grown (diet NEg = 1.05 Mcal kg–1) for approximately 117 d. The calves then transitioned to a high-grain finishing diet (year 1: NEg = 1.32 Mcal kg–1; year 2: NEg = 1.39 Mcal kg–1) and fed to a targeted 1.52 cm backfat. Growth performance in the grower phase resulted in greater (P \u3c 0.01) average daily gain (1.39 vs. 1.22 ± 0.02 kg), greater gain:feed (P \u3c 0.01; 0.157 vs. 0.137 ± 0.003) for ALT calves compared to TRAD calves, However, a lower initial BW (P \u3c 0.01; 185 vs. 229 ± 4.9 kg) resulted in a lower ending BW (P \u3c 0.01; 347 vs. 371 ± 2.9 kg) for ALT calves compared to TRAD calves in spite of improved growth performance. In the finisher phase, ALT calves gained less (1.52 vs. 1.81 ± 0.218 kg; P = 0.02), were less efficient (0.139 vs. 173 ± 0.0151; P = 0.01) but exhibited similar hot carcass weights (HCW) (388 vs. 381 ± 3.8 kg; P = 0.14) compared to TRAD calves. Each pen of calves was put into a large pen-scale chamber that continuously measured carbon dioxide (CO2 ) and methane (CH4 ) for 5 d during the grower and finisher phases. The average CH4 and CO2 production per unit of feed intake was used to calculate total GHG emissions over the entire grower and finisher phase. Overall, there were no differences (P ≥ 0.17) between treatments for CH4 per day and per kilogram dry matter intake (DMI). However, ALT calves tended to produce less (P ≤ 0.10) CO2 per day and per kilogram DMI than TRAD calves. Overall, methane emissions were greater in ALT calves (110.7 vs. 92.2 ± 8.3 g CH4 kg–1 HCW; P = 0.04) than TRAD calves. The ALT calves required 27 additional days on feed to market, which resulted in more total CH4 per animal across the entire feeding period (P = 0.02) than TRAD calves. Production systems that reduce days to market to achieve similar HCW may reduce GHG emissions

Evaluation of Methane and CO\u3csub\u3e2\u3c/sub\u3e Production in Growing and Finishing Cattle Raised in Conventional or Partial Confinement-based Herds

Methane emissions from growing and finishing calves compared either a spring calving, conventional cow system or a summer calving, partially-confined cow system. Calves weaned from the confinement-based production system were smaller at weaning and compensated with greater gain during the growing phase. More days on feed in the finishing phase were needed for the calves from the confinement system to reach same backfat thickness. Over the entire growing and finishing phases, calves from the confinement-based system produced more total CH4 and CH4 per lb. HCW. Production of methane and CO2 per lb. of gain was lower in calves from the confinement system in the growing phase. During the finishing period, calves from the conventional system had greater daily gain and lower methane per lb. of gain. Cattle consuming finishing diets had less CH4 per lb. feed intake and feeding growing diets resulted in less CO2 per animal per day and per lb. feed intake. Differences in GHG emissions were a function of size, feed intake, growth rate and diet composition

Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Two Beef Systems from Birth to Slaughter in Eastern Nebraska

Methane emissions from growing and finishing calves born into a spring calving, conventional cow system or a summer calving, partially-confined cow system were compared. Cows fed a restricted diet of corn-byproduct and grain residues in confinement produced less methane and carbon dioxide per day compared to cows grazing pasture or cover crop. Calves weaned from the confinement-based production system were smaller at weaning and compensated with greater gain during the growing phase. More days on feed in the finishing phase were needed for the calves from the confinement system to reach same backfat thickness. Over the entire growing and finishing phases, calves from the confinement-based system produced more total methane and methane per lb of carcass weight. Carbon sequestered into brome pasture and oat forage biomass was measured. Total measured emissions from all stages of beef production were combined with modeled emissions from soil and manure. Conventional cow-calf production grazing perennial cool season grasses sequestered enough carbon to offset 138% of all carbon emissions from gestation, lactation, growing and finishing stages. Annual forages grazed in the partial confinement system offset 70% of total emissions from the system. Minimizing emissions and maximizing sequestration can make beef production climate neutral or better, depending on management practices used

Building Capacity within Extension to Address Animal Agriculture in a Changing Climate

The Animal Agriculture in a Changing Climate project was formed to build capacity among Extension professionals and other livestock advisors to address climate change issues. We offer a case study of how a small team can build national capacity for new topics. We used a coordinated multiregional approach to leverage national efforts applied to locally relevant climatology, production systems, and climate issues. Key insights on overcoming challenges centered on (a) engaging audiences with local, historical trends and agricultural impacts, (b) beginning with adaptation, rather than mitigation of climate change, and (c) providing strategies for effectively communicating science during controversy. Program participants found the project valuable and substantially increased their ability and motivation to apply climate science

Beef resiliency - scenario planning.pdf

Resiliency to weather extremes is, on the one hand, a topic with which farmers and ranchers in the Northern Plains are already familiar, because of the typical wide range in temperature and moisture conditions in the region. But now, climate change is adding new uncertainties that make it difficult to know what are the best practices for the future. In an ongoing project, the UNL Extension team used scenario planning with beef system stakeholders to discover robust adaptive management options, prioritize Extension programming needs, and provide an open forum for discussion