Safeguarding Hog Farms from Ammonia and H2S Dangers

Discover how to protect your hog farm and personal health from the hazardous effects of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emission

Understanding Ammonia in Manure

There are multiple factors that contribute to ammonia issues in your hog barn. Urine is the primary contributor of nitrogen, accounting for 90% of the harmful ammonia gas in a hog barn. That process is facilitated by the enzyme urease, which is produced by bacteria that convert urea into ammonia.

Additionally, feed rations rich in crude protein have been found to significantly elevate the levels of ammonia present in the manure. Many of the most common feed ingredients are rich in crude protein including DDGs and a variety of meals such as soybean and corn gluten.

The airflow between the manure surface and slats plays a crucial role in increasing the emission of ammonia, especially when coupled with higher temperatures that further accelerate the generation of this hazardous gas.

Understanding Hydrogen Sulfide in Manure

Hydrogen sulfide forms as organic matter containing sulfur, typically in the form of proteins, breaks down. Bacteria convert sulfates and other oxidized sulfur compounds into hydrogen sulfide within the manure. The animal's diet plays a crucial role in determining the sulfur content in the manure, creating an environment suitable for the survival of specific bacteria.

As temperatures rise, the activity of microbes intensifies, resulting in a higher production of hydrogen sulfide. Manure pits that are deeper and contain more anaerobic zones can exacerbate the generation of hydrogen sulfide even more due to prolonged anaerobic conditions.

Health Impacts of Ammonia and H2S Exposure

Prolonged exposure to ammonia can result in respiratory issues for hogs, such as inflammation, coughing, and increased vulnerability to respiratory infections. On the other hand, hydrogen sulfide poses a significant threat with its highly toxic nature, causing severe respiratory distress in animals, including labored breathing, coughing, and pulmonary edema.

Elevated levels of ammonia can have detrimental effects on feed intake and conversion efficiency, ultimately leading to decreased growth rates and productivity in hogs. Similarly, exposure to hydrogen sulfide can hinder feed intake and impact overall growth rates and productivity.

Animals experiencing high levels of ammonia may exhibit stress-related behaviors, reduced feed intake, tail biting, and overall decreased performance. Moreover, exposure to ammonia can lead to eye irritation, potentially causing issues like conjunctivitis and other eye-related complications, which can impact animal welfare.

When animals are exposed to both ammonia and hydrogen sulfide simultaneously, the health risks are magnified, resulting in more severe respiratory and systemic effects. Continuous exposure to these harmful gases can weaken the immune system, making animals more susceptible to diseases and infections.

Best Practices for Monitoring and Controlling Farm Gases

There are cost-effective devices available for measuring levels of both ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. These devices can be strategically placed under the pit, above the pit, and near the pit fans to accurately monitor gas levels.

Various products are also on the market that target bacteria management. It's important to note that while these products can be effective, some may have unintended side effects that could potentially lead to other issues within the pit environment.

Don't Compromise Productivity

Studies have revealed that by reducing the crude protein content in feed from 18% to 12%, there was a remarkable 53% decrease in ammonia emissions, as highlighted by research conducted by Chanhee Lee at Pennsylvania State University. This reduction encompasses ingredients such as DDGs, soybean meal, and alfalfa, commonly found in feed formulations.

Despite the necessity of crude proteins for various essential functions like feed conversion efficiency, muscle growth, hormone regulation, and immune system support, managing their levels is crucial to mitigate ammonia production on hog farms. Introducing specific microbes into the manure pit to regulate urease activity can effectively help in controlling ammonia emissions and promoting a safer and healthier farm environment.

Creating a Safe and Sustainable Farm Environment

In hog production, numerous factors contribute to profitability, with reducing animal stress being crucial for raising the most productive pigs possible. Various issues can cause stress for farmers in the barn, including poor air quality, foaming in the pit, fly problems, and high mortality rates, all of which can be mitigated by managing ammonia and hydrogen sulfide levels in the manure pit. Additionally, personal health should be a priority; creating the best possible environment in your hog barn ensures a safe operation for you and your family for the long term.