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Wang Q, Flesch TK, Bai M, Zhang M, Chen D. Seasonal ammonia emissions from an intensive beef cattle feedlot in Victoria Australia. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119898. [PMID: 38160543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) emitted from concentrated animal feeding operations can cause environmental and health problems, and indirectly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Cattle feedlots are known to be large sources of NH3, but few studies have documented seasonal emissions from Australian feedlots. We conducted two field campaigns to measure NH3 emissions from an intensive beef cattle feedlot in southeast Australia, and these results were combined with previous measurements at the same feedlot to document seasonal variations in emissions and to derive annual feedlot emission factors (EFs). Emission rates were calculated with an inverse dispersion modelling (IDM) technique, based on NH3 concentrations measured at the feedlot with open-path lasers (OPLs). The average area emission rates in spring, summer, autumn and winter were 90.5, 167.4, 96.2 and 86.8 μg NH3 m-2 s-1 from the cattle pens, and 22.5, 18.1, 7.7 and 20.7 μg NH3 m-2 s-1 from the manure stockpile area, respectively. The total per-animal EFs ranged from 126.0 (autumn) to 190.2 g NH3 animal-1 d-1 (summer), representing a loss of 47.5-64.6% of the fed N. Seasonal variations in emissions were related to air temperature. Slight changes in crude protein content of the cattle diet may also have impacted seasonal variability. Taking seasonal variations into consideration, the average feedlot EF was 160.4 g NH3 animal-1 d-1, with 90% of the emissions coming from the cattle pens. Extrapolating the EF to all feedlot cattle in the country, the direct NH3 emissions from Australian feedlots amount to 65.2 Gg NH3 annually, or 3.7% of the national total. Our study benchmarks seasonal and annual EFs and N losses for Australian commercial feedlots, and provides a baseline for extrapolating the impacts of mitigation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingmei Wang
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Thomas K Flesch
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Mei Bai
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Mengxuan Zhang
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Deli Chen
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
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Schrade S, Zeyer K, Mohn J, Zähner M. Effect of diets with different crude protein levels on ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions from a naturally ventilated dairy housing. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165027. [PMID: 37355138 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Less crude protein (CP) in the diet can reduce nitrogen excretion of dairy cattle and lower their ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) formation potential. The diet composition might also affect emissions of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). However, previous studies did not investigate the effect of diets with different CP levels that are customary practice in Switzerland on NH3 and greenhouse gas emissions on a practical scale. In a case-control approach, we quantified the emissions (NH3, N2O, CH4, CO2) in two separate but identical compartments of a naturally ventilated cubicle housing for lactating dairy cows over six days by using a tracer ratio method. Cows in one compartment received a diet with 116 g CP per kilogram dry matter (DM), in the other compartment with 166 g CP kg-1 DM. Subsequently, diets were switched for a second 6-day measurement phase. The results showed that the diet, aside from outside temperature and wind speed in the housing, was driving NH3 and N2O emissions. NH3 and N2O emission reduction per livestock unit (LU) was on average 46 % and almost 20 %, respectively, for the diet with low CP level compared to the higher CP level. In addition, strong relationships were observed between the CP content of the diet, N excretion in the urine and the milk urea content. An increased temperature or wind speed led to a clear increase in NH3 emissions. Differences in CH4 and CO2 emissions per LU indicated a significant influence of the diet, which cannot be attributed to the CP content. Our herd-level study demonstrated that a significant reduction in NH3 and N2O emissions related to LU, energy-corrected milk as well as DM intake can be achieved by lowering the CP content in the diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Schrade
- Agroscope, Ruminant Nutrition and Emissions Research Group, 8356 Ettenhausen, Switzerland.
| | - Kerstin Zeyer
- Empa, Laboratory for Air Pollution / Environmental Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Mohn
- Empa, Laboratory for Air Pollution / Environmental Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Michael Zähner
- Agroscope, Ruminant Nutrition and Emissions Research Group, 8356 Ettenhausen, Switzerland
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3
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Effects of low-fat dried distillers grains on nutrient intake and digestibility in high-concentrate diets. Livest Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2023.105167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Alhadas HM, Valadares Filho SC, Tedeschi LO, Vilela RSR, Souza GAP, Lage BC, Silva BC, Rennó LN, Paulino MF. Impact of different levels of low-fat dried distillers grains on performance of young Nellore bulls during the finishing phase. Anim Sci J 2021; 92:e13623. [PMID: 34414634 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of including low-fat dried distillers grains (DDG) on young Nellore bulls performance, nutritional parameters, and nitrogen metabolism. Thirty-five Nellore cattle were randomly divided into four diets: without dried distillers grains (D0) or with the inclusion of DDG at 150 g/kg (D150), 300 g/kg (D300), or 450 g/kg (D450). The evaluation period lasted 126 days, and three periods of collection of feces and urine were carried out. Final body weight (P = 0.099) and average daily gain (P = 0.097) tended to decrease linearly; the digestibility of dry matter (P < 0.001), organic matter (P < 0.001), ether extract (P < 0.001) and nonfiber carbohydrates (P < 0.001), and intakes of total digestible nutrients (TDN, P < 0.001) decreased linearly. The increase in crude protein intake (P < 0.001) did not result in an increase in the amount of nitrogen retained (P = 0.540). We concluded that the inclusion of low-fat DDG in finishing diets up to the level of 450 g/kg tends to reduce animal performance and the intake of TDN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herlon M Alhadas
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | - Luis O Tedeschi
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Rizielly S R Vilela
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gilyard A P Souza
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruno C Lage
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Breno C Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luciana N Rennó
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mario F Paulino
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Balcells J, Fuertes E, Seradj AR, Maynegre J, Villalba D, de la Fuente G. Study of nitrogen fluxes across conventional solid floor cubicle and compost-bedded pack housing systems in dairy cattle barns located in the Mediterranean area: Effects of seasonal variation. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:10882-10897. [PMID: 32952026 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of housing system (or manure management system) and season on manure N recovery and volatilization using an N mass balance. Dietary, milk, and manure N were monitored together with outside temperatures in 6 dairy barns. Three barns were designed as conventional freestalls (cubicle, CUB) with an automatic manure scraper system and concrete floor, in which the gutter in the middle was continuously scraped (every 2-4 h) and the slurry was conveyed toward an open-air concrete pool. The other 3 barns were designed as a loose housing system (HS) with a compost-bedded pack (CB) and conventional confinement housing provided with a feed alley that was cleaned mechanically (2-3 times per day). The farms under study were located near Lleida in the center of the Ebro valley, in northeastern Spain. Nitrogen recovery was measured twice under farm-like conditions either during spring-summer (3 mo of increasing temperatures) or fall-winter (3 mo of decreasing temperatures). The number of cows per barn ranged from 99 to 473, and average age, mean lactation, and parturition intervals were 4.1 yr, 2.43 lactations, and 426.6 d, respectively. In spring-summer, animals ate more [26.3 vs. 23.8 kg of dry matter (DM)/d] and produced more milk (34.6 vs. 31.3 kg/d ± 0.68). However, milk composition did not change. Stored manure from the CB system showed a higher DM concentration with respect to the CUB system (379.15 vs. 97.65 g/kg of fresh matter); however, N (31.45 vs. 40.2), NH3-N (5.3 vs. 18.9) and its ratios with phosphorus (NH3-N:P, 3.52 vs. 5.2) and potassium (NH3-N:K, 0.615 vs. 2.69) showed the opposite trend. No differences were found in N intake (653 vs. 629.5 g/d) or milk N secretion (190 vs. 177.8 g/d for CUB and CB barns, respectively) although net N recovery of the excreted N (Nintake - NMilk) was significantly lower in manure in CB barns than in CUB systems (193.8 vs. 389.3 g/d). The proportion of N irreversible loss in relation to the N intake was higher in CB than in CUB barns (42.3 vs. 11.0%). There was no clear association between season and irreversible N losses; however, the housing system was pivotal in the association between N recovery in manure and irreversible losses by volatilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Balcells
- Department of Animal Science, Agrotecnio Center, Universitat Lleida, Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, Lleida 25198, Catalonia, Spain
| | - E Fuertes
- Department of Animal Science, Agrotecnio Center, Universitat Lleida, Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, Lleida 25198, Catalonia, Spain
| | - A R Seradj
- Department of Animal Science, Agrotecnio Center, Universitat Lleida, Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, Lleida 25198, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - J Maynegre
- Department of Animal Science, Agrotecnio Center, Universitat Lleida, Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, Lleida 25198, Catalonia, Spain
| | - D Villalba
- Department of Animal Science, Agrotecnio Center, Universitat Lleida, Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, Lleida 25198, Catalonia, Spain
| | - G de la Fuente
- Department of Animal Science, Agrotecnio Center, Universitat Lleida, Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, Lleida 25198, Catalonia, Spain
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Cowley F, Jennings J, Cole A, Beauchemin K. Recent advances to improve nitrogen efficiency of grain-finishing cattle in North American and Australian feedlots. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/an19259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Formulating diets conservatively for minimum crude-protein (CP) requirements and overfeeding nitrogen (N) is commonplace in grain finishing rations in USA, Canada and Australia. Overfeeding N is considered to be a low-cost and low-risk (to cattle production and health) strategy and is becoming more commonplace in the US with the use of high-N ethanol by-products in finishing diets. However, loss of N from feedlot manure in the form of volatilised ammonia and nitrous oxide, and nitrate contamination of water are of significant environmental concern. Thus, there is a need to improve N-use efficiency of beef cattle production and reduce losses of N to the environment. The most effective approach is to lower N intake of animals through precision feeding, and the application of the metabolisable protein system, including its recent updates to estimation of N supply and recycling. Precision feeding of protein needs to account for variations in the production system, e.g. grain type, liveweight, maturity, use of hormonal growth promotants and β agonists. Opportunities to reduce total N fed to finishing cattle include oscillating supply of dietary CP and reducing supply of CP to better meet cattle requirements (phase feeding).
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Legesse G, Kroebel R, Alemu AW, Ominski KH, McGeough EJ, Beauchemin KA, Chai L, Bittman S, McAllister TA. Effect of changes in management practices and animal performance on ammonia emissions from Canadian beef production in 1981 as compared with 2011. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2017-0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The present study compared ammonia (NH3) emissions from Canadian beef production in 1981–2011. Temporal and regional differences in cattle categories, feed types and management systems, average daily gains, carcass weights, and manure handling practices were considered. A scenario-based sensitivity analysis in 2011 estimated the impact of substituting corn dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) for grain in feedlot diets. On average, 22% of the total nitrogen (N) intake was lost as ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) in both years. Manure emission sources were consistent across years, averaging 12%, 40%, 28%, and 21% for grazing, confinement, storage, and land spreading, respectively. Emissions per animal in 1981 and 2011 were 16.0 and 18.4 kg NH3 animal−1 yr−1, respectively. On an intensity basis, kilogram of NH3 emitted per kilogram of beef decreased 20%, from 0.17 in 1981 to 0.14 in 2011. This reduction was attributed to increases in reproductive efficiency, average daily gain and carcass weight, and improved breeding herd productivity. In 2011, substituting DDGS for grain in feedlot diets increased total NH3 emissions and losses per animal. Although addition of by-products from the bioethanol industry can lower diet costs, it will be at the expense of an increase in NH3 emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getahun Legesse
- Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Roland Kroebel
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 5403 1st Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - Aklilu W. Alemu
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 5403 1st Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - Kim H. Ominski
- Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Emma J. McGeough
- Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Karen A. Beauchemin
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 5403 1st Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - Lilong Chai
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, 605 Bissell Road, Ames, IA 50011-3270, USA
| | - Shabtai Bittman
- Agassiz Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 6947 Highway 7, P.O. Box 1000, Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0, Canada
| | - Tim A. McAllister
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 5403 1st Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
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Nichols KL, Del Grosso SJ, Derner JD, Follett RF, Archibeque SL, Delgado JA, Paustian KH. Nitrous Oxide and Ammonia Emissions from Cattle Excreta on Shortgrass Steppe. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2018; 47:419-426. [PMID: 29864185 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2017.12.0463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Grazing cattle redistribute nitrogen (N) consumed in forage through urine and feces patches. The high concentration of N in these patches often exceeds the uptake demands of the local plant community, thereby providing ideal conditions for losses of reactive N. However, knowledge on nitrous oxide (NO) and ammonia (NH) emissions from excretal patches on shortgrass steppe grassland is limited. We studied the effect of cattle urine (1002 kg N ha) and feces (1021 kg N ha) patches on NO and NH emissions in two sites with contrasting vegetation: (i) cool-season (C3) 'Bozoisky-Select' Russian wildrye [ (Fisch.) Nevski], pasture (C3Past) and (ii) C4-dominated native shortgrass steppe rangeland (C4SS). Nitrous oxide and NH were measured using semi-static and semi-open chambers, respectively. Cumulative NO emissions were 217 and 173% greater and cumulative volatile NH emissions were 339 and 157% greater on C3Past compared with C4SS from the urine and feces treatments, respectively. Nitrous oxide emission factors were 0.20 and 0.05% for urine and 0.07 and 0.03% for feces on C3Past and C4SS, respectively. Our findings suggest that using the IPCC Tier 1 default emission factor (2%, 95% CI = 0.7-6%) to estimate NO emissions from cattle excretal patches on shortgrass steppe grassland would result in a significant overestimation for these dryland systems. Ammonia emission factors were 35 and 10% for urine and 7 and 5% for feces on C3Past and C4SS, respectively. With the exception of the urine treatment on C3Past, observed NH emissions were consistent with the IPCC Tier 1 default assumption that 20% (95% CI = 5-50%) of excretal N is volatilized as NH+NO.
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Cole NA, Parker DB, Todd RW, Leytem AB, Dungan RS, Hales KE, Ivey SL, Jennings J. Use of new technologies to evaluate the environmental footprint of feedlot systems. Transl Anim Sci 2018; 2:89-100. [PMID: 32704692 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txx001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With increased concern over the effects of livestock production on the environment, a number of new technologies have evolved to help scientists evaluate the environmental footprint of beef cattle. The objective of this review was to provide an overview of some of those techniques. These techniques include methods to measure individual feed intake, enteric methane emissions, ground-level greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions, feedlot and pasture emissions, and identify potential pathogens. The appropriate method to use for measuring emissions will vary depending upon the type of emission, the emission source, and the goals of the research. These methods should also be validated to assure they produce accurate results and achieve the goals of the research project. In addition, we must not forget to properly use existing technologies and methods such as proper feed mixing, feeding management, feed/ingredient sampling, and nutrient analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Andy Cole
- USDA-ARS-Conservation and Production Research Laboratory, Bushland, TX
| | - David B Parker
- USDA-ARS-Conservation and Production Research Laboratory, Bushland, TX
| | - Richard W Todd
- USDA-ARS-Conservation and Production Research Laboratory, Bushland, TX
| | - April B Leytem
- USDA-ARS-Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID
| | - Robert S Dungan
- USDA-ARS-Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID
| | | | - Shanna L Ivey
- Department of Animal and Range Science at New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
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Keomanivong FE, Ruch MC, Liu JH, Kirsch JD, Bauer ML, Dahlen CR, Kapphahn M, Borhan MS, Rahman S, Swanson KC. Influence of dry-rolled corn processing and distiller’s grain inclusion rate on ruminal pH, ammonia and volatile fatty acid concentration, in vitro methane production and enzyme activity. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Bougouin A, Leytem A, Dijkstra J, Dungan RS, Kebreab E. Nutritional and Environmental Effects on Ammonia Emissions from Dairy Cattle Housing: A Meta-Analysis. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2016; 45:1123-1132. [PMID: 27380059 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2015.07.0389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen excreted in dairy manure can be potentially transformed and emitted as NH, which can create livestock and human respiratory problems and be an indirect source of NO. The objectives of this study were to: (i) investigate environmental factors influencing NH emissions from dairy housing; and (ii) identify key explanatory variables in the NH emissions prediction from dairy housing using a meta-analytical approach. Data from 25 studies were used for the preliminary analysis, and data from 10 studies reporting 87 treatment means were used for the meta-analysis. Season and flooring type significantly affected NH emissions. For nutritional effect analysis, the between-study variability (heterogeneity) of mean NH emission was estimated using random-effect models and had a significant effect ( < 0.01). Therefore, random-effect models were extended to mixed-effect models to explain heterogeneity regarding the available dietary and animal variables. The final mixed-effect model included milk yield, dietary crude protein, and dry matter intake separately, explaining 45.5% of NH emissions heterogeneity. A unit increase in milk yield (kg d) resulted in a 4.9 g cow d reduction in NH emissions, and a unit increase in dietary crude protein content (%) and dry matter intake (kg d) resulted in 10.2 and 16.3 g cow d increases in NH emissions, respectively, in the scope of this study. These results can be further used to help identify mitigation strategies to reduce NH emissions from dairy housing by developing predictive models that could determine variables with strong association with NH emissions.
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McGinn SM, Janzen HH, Coates TW, Beauchemin KA, Flesch TK. Ammonia Emission from a Beef Cattle Feedlot and Its Local Dry Deposition and Re-Emission. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2016; 45:1178-1185. [PMID: 27380065 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2016.01.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia (NH) volatized from livestock manure is affiliated with ecosystem and human health concerns and decreased fertilizer value of manure and can also be an indirect source of greenhouse gas. Beef cattle feedlots, where thousands of cattle are grouped together to enable greater control of feed management and production, are hot spots in the agricultural landscape for NH emissions. Quantifying the feedlot NH emissions is a difficult task, partly due to the reactive nature of NH within and surrounding the feedlot. Our study used a dispersion model coupled to field measurements to derive NH emissions from a feedlot in southern Alberta, Canada. The average feedlot NH emission was 50 μg m s (85 g animal d), which coincides with a low dietary crude protein content. At a location 165 m east of the feedlot, a flux gradient (FG) technique measured an average NH deposition of 12.0 μg m s (west wind) and 5.3 μg m s (east wind). Ammonia FG emission averaged 1 μg m s with east winds, whereas no NH emission was found for west wind. Using soil-captured NH, there was a decrease in deposition with distance from the feedlot (50% over 200 m). Collectively, the results of this study provide insight into the dynamics of NH in the agricultural landscape and illustrate the need for NH mitigation to improve the environmental and economic sustainability of cattle feedlots.
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Review: Nitrogen sustainability and beef cattle feedyards: II. Ammonia emissions11Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the USDA.22The USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, and so on) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.33Funded by the Beef Checkoff. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.15232/pas.2015-01395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Sheppard SC, Bittman S, Donohoe G, Flaten D, Wittenberg KM, Small JA, Berthiaume R, McAllister TA, Beauchemin KA, McKinnon J, Amiro BD, MacDonald D, Mattos F, Ominski KH. Beef cattle husbandry practices across Ecoregions of Canada in 2011. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2015. [DOI: 10.4141/cjas-2014-158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sheppard, S. C., Bittman, S., Donohoe, G., Flaten, D., Wittenberg, K. M., Small, J. A., Berthiaume, R., McAllister, T. A., Beauchemin, K. A., McKinnon, J., Amiro, B. D., MacDonald, D., Mattos, F. and Ominski, K. H. 2015. Beef cattle husbandry practices across Ecoregions of Canada in 2011. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 305–321. Beef production in Canada is diverse in many dimensions with numbers of cattle per operation ranging over 10 000-fold, pasture usage from nil to 100%, and types of operations from solely cow–calf to exclusively feedlot finishing. This study summarizes management information obtained from a survey conducted in 2012 (about 2011) on 1009 beef operations in Canada. Many of the results clearly differentiate the practices in the Prairies from those in Ontario and Quebec. Compared to eastern Canada, the Prairies had earlier and shorter calving seasons, higher weaning weights, utilized more winter grazing with a variety of strategies, grew and fed more barley than corn, used more seasonal feeding areas and feedlots (and hence fewer barns), and more commonly spread manure in the fall. Many of the management practices used by cow–calf operations would have low environmental impact, including extensive use of grazing even in winter, low fertilizer inputs and feeding perennial forages with a high content of legumes. Some practices such as not covering forages or manure storage structures were common and could be changed to improve forage quality and reduce manure emissions. Most forage was harvested 3–7 d after full bloom. Earlier harvest has the potential to improve forage quality, which could reduce dependence on arable crops. Finishing operations used more housing, fed more arable-land crops and less perennial forages, and practiced little grazing. Rationale regarding the adoption of many of the management strategies was reported by the producers. For example, winter grazing was adopted primarily to reduce costs and labour, but for some it was also linked to a late calving season. Preferred sources of technical information included their own experience, farm print media, producer organisations and demonstrations at field days. The survey also identified several areas in which the industry may realize improved sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S. Bittman
- Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, PO Box 1000, Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada V0M 1A0
| | - G. Donohoe
- Department of Soil Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2
| | - D. Flaten
- Department of Soil Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2
| | - K. M. Wittenberg
- Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2
| | - J. A. Small
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Research Centre, P.O. Box 1000A, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada R7A 5Y3
| | | | - T. A. McAllister
- Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, PO BOX 3000, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4B1
| | - K. A. Beauchemin
- Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, PO BOX 3000, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4B1
| | - J. McKinnon
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 5A8
| | - B. D. Amiro
- Department of Soil Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2
| | - D. MacDonald
- Environment Canada, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada K1A 0H3
| | - F. Mattos
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - K. H. Ominski
- Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2
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Fraser MD, Moorby JM, Vale JE, Evans DM. Mixed grazing systems benefit both upland biodiversity and livestock production. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89054. [PMID: 24551216 PMCID: PMC3923862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With world food demand expected to double by 2050, identifying farming systems that benefit both agricultural production and biodiversity is a fundamentally important challenge for the 21st century, but this has to be achieved in a sustainable way. Livestock grazing management directly influences both economic outputs and biodiversity on upland farms while contributing to potentially damaging greenhouse gas emissions, yet no study has attempted to address these impacts simultaneously. Methods Using a replicated, landscape-scale field experiment consisting of five management ‘systems’ we tested the effects of progressively altering elements within an upland farming system, viz i) incorporating cattle grazing into an upland sheep system, ii) integrating grazing of semi-natural rough grazing into a mixed grazing system based on improved pasture, iii) altering the stocking ratio within a mixed grazing system, and iv) replacing modern crossbred cattle with a traditional breed. We quantified the impacts on livestock productivity and numbers of birds and butterflies over four years. Results, Conclusion and Significance We found that management systems incorporating mixed grazing with cattle improve livestock productivity and reduce methane emissions relative to sheep only systems. Systems that also included semi-natural rough grazing consistently supported more species of birds and butterflies, and it was possible to incorporate bouts of summer grazing of these pastures by cattle to meet habitat management prescriptions without compromising cattle performance overall. We found no evidence that the system incorporating a cattle breed popular as a conservation grazer was any better for bird and butterfly species richness than those based on a mainstream breed, yet methane emissions from such a system were predicted to be higher. We have demonstrated that mixed upland grazing systems not only improve livestock production, but also benefit biodiversity, suggesting a ‘win-win’ solution for farmers and conservationists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariecia D. Fraser
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Jon M. Moorby
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - James E. Vale
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Darren M. Evans
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
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Borhan MS, Gautam DP, Engel C, Anderson VL, Rahman S. Effects of pen bedding and feeding high crude protein diets on manure composition and greenhouse gas emissions from a feedlot pen surface. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2013; 63:1457-1468. [PMID: 24558708 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2013.831384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from concentrated animal feeding operations vary by stage of production and management practices. The objective of this research was to study the effect of two dietary crude protein levels (12 and 16%) fed to beef steers in pens with or without corn stover bedding. Manure characteristics and GHG emissions were measured from feedlot pen surfaces. Sixteen equal-sized feedlot pens (19 x 23 m) were used. Eight were bedded approximately twice a week with corn stover and the remaining eight feedlot pens were not bedded. Angus steers (n = 138) were blocked by live weights (lighter and heavier) with 7 to 10 animals per pen. The trial was a 2 x 2 factorial design with factors of two protein levels and two bedding types (bedding vs. non bedding), with four replicates. The study was conducted from June through September and consisted of four -28-day periods. Manure from each pen was scrapped once every 28 days and composite manure samples from each pen were collected. Air samples from pen surfaces were sampled in Tedlar bags using a Vac-U-Chamber coupled with a portable wind tunnel and analyzed with a greenhouse gas gas chromatograph within 24 hr of sampling. The manure samples were analyzed for crude protein (CP), total nitrogen (TN), ammonia (NH3), total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), total carbon (TC), total phosphorus (TP), and potassium (K). The air samples were analyzed for methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrous oxide (N2O) concentrations. The concentration of TN was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in manure from pens with cattle fed the high protein diets. The volatile fatty acids (VFAs) such as acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric, and valeric acids concentrations were similar across both treatments. There were no significant differences in pen surface GHG emissions across manure management and dietary crude protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Borhan
- Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, USA
| | - D P Gautam
- Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, USA
| | - C Engel
- Carrington Research Extension Center, North Dakota State University, Carrington, North Dakota, USA
| | - V L Anderson
- Carrington Research Extension Center, North Dakota State University, Carrington, North Dakota, USA
| | - S Rahman
- Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, USA
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Effect of phase-feeding crude protein on performance and carcass characteristics of crossbred beef bulls: an application to reduce nitrogen compounds in beef cattle diets. Trop Anim Health Prod 2013; 46:419-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-013-0507-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Lupo CD, Clay DE, Benning JL, Stone JJ. Life-cycle assessment of the beef cattle production system for the northern great plains, USA. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2013; 42:1386-94. [PMID: 24216416 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2013.03.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
A life-cycle assessment (LCA) model was developed to estimate the environmental impacts associated with four different U.S. Northern Great Plains (NPG) beef production systems. The LCA model followed a "cradle-to-gate" approach and incorporated all major unit processes, including mineral supplement production. Four distinct operation scenarios were modeled based on production strategies common to the NGP, and a variety of impacts were determined. The scenarios include a normal operation, early weaning of the calf, fast-tack backgrounding, and grassfed. Enteric emissions and manure emissions and handling were consistently the largest contributors to the LCA impacts. There was little variability between production scenarios except for the grassfed, where the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were 37% higher due to a longer finishing time and lower finishing weight. However, reductions to GHG emissions (15-24%) were realized when soil organic carbon accrual was considered and may be a more realistic estimate for the NGP. Manure emissions and handing were primary contributors to potential eutrophication and acidification impacts. Mitigation strategies to reduce LCA impacts, including diet manipulation and management strategies (i.e., treatment of manure), were considered from a whole-systems perspective. Model results can be used for guidance by NGP producers, environmental practitioners, and policymakers.
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Hünerberg M, McGinn SM, Beauchemin KA, Okine EK, Harstad OM, McAllister TA. Effect of dried distillers grains plus solubles on enteric methane emissions and nitrogen excretion from growing beef cattle1. J Anim Sci 2013; 91:2846-57. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2012-5564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Hünerberg
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - S. M. McGinn
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - K. A. Beauchemin
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - E. K. Okine
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada
| | | | - T. A. McAllister
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1, Canada
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Todd RW, Cole NA, Waldrip HM, Aiken RM. Arrhenius equation for modeling feedyard ammonia emissions using temperature and diet crude protein. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2013; 42:666-671. [PMID: 23673932 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2012.0371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Temperature controls many processes of NH volatilization. For example, urea hydrolysis is an enzymatically catalyzed reaction described by the Arrhenius equation. Diet crude protein (CP) controls NH emission by affecting N excretion. Our objectives were to use the Arrhenius equation to model NH emissions from beef cattle () feedyards and test predictions against observed emissions. Per capita NH emission rate (PCER), air temperature (), and CP were measured for 2 yr at two Texas Panhandle feedyards. Data were fitted to analogs of the Arrhenius equation: PCER = () and PCER = (,CP). The models were applied at a third feedyard to predict NH emissions and compare predicted to measured emissions. Predicted mean NH emissions were within -9 and 2% of observed emissions for the () and (T,CP) models, respectively. Annual emission factors calculated from models underestimated annual NH emission by 11% [() model] or overestimated emission by 8% [(,CP) model]. When from a regional weather station and three classes of CP drove the models, the () model overpredicted annual NH emission of the low CP class by 14% and underpredicted emissions of the optimum and high CP classes by 1 and 39%, respectively. The (,CP) model underpredicted NH emissions by 15, 4, and 23% for low, optimum, and high CP classes, respectively. Ammonia emission was successfully modeled using only, but including CP improved predictions. The empirical () and (,CP) models can successfully model NH emissions in the Texas Panhandle. Researchers are encouraged to test the models in other regions where high-quality NH emissions data are available.
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Li W, Powers W. Effects of saponin extracts on air emissions from steers1. J Anim Sci 2012; 90:4001-13. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2011-4888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- W. Li
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824
| | - W. Powers
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824
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Influence of Reduced Nitrogen Diets on Ammonia Emissions from Cattle Feedlot Pens. ATMOSPHERE 2011. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos2040655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Todd RW, Cole NA, Rhoades MB, Parker DB, Casey KD. Daily, monthly, seasonal, and annual ammonia emissions from Southern High Plains cattle feedyards. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2011; 40:1090-1095. [PMID: 21712577 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2010.0307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia emitted from beef cattle feedyards adds excess reactive N to the environment, contributes to degraded air quality as a precursor to secondary particulate matter, and represents a significant loss of N from beef cattle feedyards. We used open path laser spectroscopy and an inverse dispersion model to quantify daily, monthly, seasonal, and annual NH emissions during 2 yr from two commercial cattle feedyards in the Panhandle High Plains of Texas. Annual patterns of NH fluxes correlated with air temperature, with the greatest fluxes (>100 kg ha d) during the summer and the lowest fluxes (<15 kg ha d) during the winter. Mean monthly per capita emission rate (PCER) of NH-N at one feedyard ranged from 31 g NH-N head d (January) to 207 g NH-N head d (October), when increased dietary crude protein from wet distillers grains elevated emissions. Ammonia N emissions at the other feedyard ranged from 36 g NH-N head d (January) to 121 g NH-N head d (September). Monthly fractional NH-N loss ranged from a low of 19 to 24% to a high of 80 to 85% of fed N at the two feedyards. Seasonal PCER at the two feedyards averaged 60 to 71 g NH-N head d during winter and 103 to 158 g NH-N head d during summer. Annually, PCER was 115 and 80 g NH-N head d at the two feedyards, which represented 59 and 52% of N fed to the cattle. Detailed studies are needed to determine the effect of management and environmental variables such as diet, temperature, precipitation, and manure water content on NH emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Todd
- USDA-ARS, Conservation and Production Research Lab, Bushland, TX, USA.
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Hristov AN, Hanigan M, Cole A, Todd R, McAllister TA, Ndegwa PM, Rotz A. Review: Ammonia emissions from dairy farms and beef feedlots. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2011. [DOI: 10.4141/cjas10034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hristov, A. N., Hanigan, M., Cole, A., Todd, R., McAllister T. A., Ndegwa, P. and Rotz, A. 2011. Review: Ammonia emissions from dairy farms and beef feedlots. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 1–35. Ammonia emitted from animal feeding operations is an environmental and human health hazard, contributing to eutrophication of surface waters and nitrate contamination of ground waters, soil acidity, and fine particulate matter formation. It may also contribute to global warming through nitrous oxide formation. Along with these societal concerns, ammonia emission is a net loss of manure fertilizer value to the producer. A significant portion of cattle manure nitrogen, primarily from urinary urea, is converted to ammonium and eventually lost to the atmosphere as ammonia. Determining ammonia emissions from cattle operations is complicated by the multifaceted nature of the factors regulating ammonia volatilization, such as manure management, ambient temperature, wind speed, and manure composition and pH. Approaches to quantify ammonia emissions include micrometeorological methods, mass balance accounting and enclosures. Each method has its advantages, disadvantages and appropriate application. It is also of interest to determine the ammonia emitting potential of manure (AEP) independent of environmental factors. The ratio of nitrogen to non-volatile minerals (phosphorus, potassium, ash) or nitrogen isotopes ratio in manure has been suggested as a useful indicator of AEP. Existing data on ammonia emission factors and flux rates are extremely variable. For dairy farms, emission factors from 0.82 to 250 g ammonia per cow per day have been reported, with an average of 59 g per cow per day (n=31). Ammonia flux rates for dairy farms averaged 1.03 g m−2 h−1 (n=24). Ammonia losses are significantly greater from beef feedlots, where emission factors average 119 g per animal per day (n=9) with values as high as 280 g per animal per day. Ammonia flux rate for beef feedlots averaged 0.174 g m−2 h−1 (n=12). Using nitrogen mass balance approaches, daily ammonia nitrogen losses of 25 to 50% of the nitrogen excreted in manure have been estimated for dairy cows and feedlot cattle. Practices to mitigate ammonia emissions include reducing excreted N (particularly urinary N), acidifying ammonia sources, or binding ammonium to a substrate. Reducing crude protein concentration in cattle diets and ruminal protein degradability are powerful tools for reducing N excretion, AEP, and whole-farm ammonia emissions. Reducing dietary protein can also benefit the producer by reducing feed cost. These interventions, however, have to be balanced with the risk of lost production. Manure treatment techniques that reduce volatile N species (e.g., urease inhibition, pH reduction, nitrification-denitrification) are also effective for mitigating ammonia emissions. Another option for reducing ammonia emissions is capture and treatment of released ammonia. Examples in the latter category include biofilters, permeable and impermeable covers, and manure incorporation into the soil for crop or pasture production. Process-level simulation of ammonia formation and emission provides a useful tool for estimating emissions over a wide range of production practices and evaluating the potential benefits of mitigation strategies. Reducing ammonia emissions from dairy and beef cattle operations is critical to achieving environmentally sustainable animal production that will benefit producers and society at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. N. Hristov
- Department of Dairy and Animal Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - M. Hanigan
- Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - A. Cole
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service-Conservation and Production Research Laboratory, Bushland, TX, USA
| | - R. Todd
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service-Conservation and Production Research Laboratory, Bushland, TX, USA
| | - T. A. McAllister
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4B1
| | - P. M. Ndegwa
- Biological Systems Engineering Department, Washington State University, Pullman 99164, USA
| | - A. Rotz
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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Carew R. Ammonia emissions from livestock industries in Canada: feasibility of abatement strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2010; 158:2618-2626. [PMID: 20542610 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2010.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2009] [Revised: 01/22/2010] [Accepted: 05/04/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
An updated national ammonia (NH(3)) emissions inventory was employed to study the relationship between NH(3) emissions and livestock industries in Canada. Emissions from animal agriculture accounted for 322kilotonnes (kt) or 64% of Canadian NH(3) emissions in 2002. Cattle and swine accounted for the bulk of livestock emissions. The provinces of Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan accounted for 28.1%, 22.0%, 18.7%, and 13.1% of total livestock emissions, respectively. Emissions from Ontario and Quebec were attributed to the intensive production of dairy, hogs and poultry. Dairy cattle emissions per hectolitre of milk were higher in Ontario and Québec than in other provinces, while swine emissions per livestock unit were higher than either beef or dairy cattle. A review of the abatement literature indicated diet manipulation to improve N efficiency and land spreading methods are very effective techniques to lower NH(3) emissions. Future research is required to evaluate the feasibility of biofilters and feces/urine separation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Carew
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, 4200 Highway 97, Summerland, British Columbia, Canada VOH1Z0.
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Spiehs MJ, Varel VH. Nutrient excretion and odorant production in manure from cattle fed corn wet distillers grains with solubles1,2. J Anim Sci 2009; 87:2977-84. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2008-1584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Ndegwa PM, Vaddella VK, Hristov AN, Joo HS. Measuring concentrations of ammonia in ambient air or exhaust air stream using acid traps. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2009; 38:647-653. [PMID: 19244485 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2008.0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Strong acid solutions have been widely used in acid traps to determine concentrations of ammonia in ambient air or exhaust air stream. A literature survey indicates the method has a long history and a wide variation in use. Through a series of studies, this paper examines several factors including volume of the acid, depth of the acid, and airflow rate; that might affect the efficiency of sulfuric acid traps and recommends steps researchers and other users may take to ensure reliable results from this method. The results from these series of studies indicate: (i) an inverse relationship between the efficiency of the acid traps and the amount of ammonia to be trapped even when the capacity of the acid trap is excessively greater than the maximum theoretical stoichiometric capacity needed to dissolve all of the ammonia, (ii) for the same volume of acid, the efficiency of the acid trap increased with the acid depth but overall, the efficiency at any given acid depth decreased as the amount of ammonia through the trap increased, and (iii) at the two airflow rates examined in this study (0.5 and 1.0 L/min) the efficiency of the acid traps decreased at similar rates as the concentration of ammonia in the sample air increased but the efficiency of the trap was significantly higher at the lower airflow rate. To obtain reliable measurements from this method, therefore, multi-point calibrations within the entire range of target measurements is recommended to provide accurate corrections of the measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Ndegwa
- Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State Univ., P.O. Box 646120, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.
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Vasconcelos JT, Cole NA, McBride KW, Gueye A, Galyean ML, Richardson CR, Greene LW. Effects of dietary crude protein and supplemental urea levels on nitrogen and phosphorus utilization by feedlot cattle. J Anim Sci 2008; 87:1174-83. [PMID: 19028866 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2008-1411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Three dietary CP concentrations (11.5, 13.0, and 14.5% of DM) and 3 supplemental urea levels (100, 50, and 0% of supplemental N) were used in a completely randomized block design experiment conducted at 2 locations to determine N and P balance and serum urea N (SUN) concentrations of feedlot cattle. Crossbred steers [British and British x Continental; initial BW = 315.0 +/- 3.2 kg at location 1 (n = 27) and initial BW = 353.2 +/- 8.4 kg at location 2 (n = 27)] were used in 3 nutrient balance sampling periods (SP) at the beginning, middle, and end of the feeding period (154 d in location 1 and 159 d in location 2). Fecal N (g/d; P = 0.03), urinary N (g/d; P < 0.01), urinary urea N (UUN; g/d; P < 0.01), apparent N absorption (g/d; P < 0.01), and SUN concentration (mg/dL; P < 0.01) increased linearly as dietary CP concentration increased. Nitrogen retention (g/d) was not affected (P = 0.61) by dietary CP concentration. Phosphorus intake (g/d; P = 0.02), fecal P (g/d; P = 0.04), and urinary P (g/d; P = 0.01) increased linearly as dietary CP increased, reflecting changes in diet composition with increasing CP concentrations. As dietary urea levels increased, urinary N (g/d; P = 0.04), UUN (g/d; P = 0.01), and apparent N absorption (g/d; P = 0.04) increased linearly, but P intake (g/d; P = 0.10) and urinary P (g/d; P = 0.02) decreased linearly. No interactions were observed between SP and dietary treatments for most variables. Evaluation of SP means, however, showed that as days on feed increased, fecal N (g/d; P = 0.01), urinary N (g/d; P < 0.01), UUN (g/d; P < 0.01), apparent absorption of N (g/d; P < 0.01), SUN (mg/dL; P < 0.01), and urinary P (g/d; P < 0.01) increased linearly, whereas retained N (g/d) decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing days on feed. These data suggest that changes in dietary CP and urea levels, as well as stage of the feeding period, markedly alter N and P utilization by feedlot cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T Vasconcelos
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock 79409, USA.
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Cole NA, Todd RW. Opportunities to enhance performance and efficiency through nutrient synchrony in concentrate-fed ruminants1,2,3. J Anim Sci 2008; 86:E318-33. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2007-0444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Auditing and Assessing Air Quality in Concentrated Feeding Operations1231Contribution from the USDA-ARS Conservation and Production Res. Laboratory, Bushland, TX 79012, in cooperation with the Texas Agricultural Exp. St., Amarillo, and West Texas A&M Univ., Canyon.2Mention of trade names or commercial products in this article is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the USDA.3Presented at the Annual ARPAS Symposium Current and Future On-Farm Auditing and Assessment, San Antonio, TX, July, 2007. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.15232/s1080-7446(15)30804-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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McGinn SM, Flesch TK, Crenna BP, Beauchemin KA, Coates T. Quantifying ammonia emissions from a cattle feedlot using a dispersion model. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2007; 36:1585-1590. [PMID: 17940257 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2007.0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Livestock manure is a significant source of ammonia (NH3) emissions. In the atmosphere, NH3 is a precursor to the formation of fine aerosols that contribute to poor air quality associated with human health. Other environmental issues result when NH3 is deposited to land and water. Our study documented the quantity of NH3 emitted from a feedlot housing growing beef cattle. The study was conducted between June and October 2006 at a feedlot with a one-time capacity of 22,500 cattle located in southern Alberta, Canada. A backward Lagrangian stochastic (bLS) inverse-dispersion technique was used to calculate NH3 emissions, based on measurements of NH3 concentration (open-path laser) and wind (sonic anemometer) taken above the interior of the feedlot. There was an average of 3146 kg NH3 d(-1) lost from the entire feedlot, equivalent to 84 microg NH3 m(-2) s(-1) or 140 g NH3 head(-1) d(-1). The NH3 emissions correlated with sensible heat flux (r2 = 0.84) and to a lesser extent the wind speed (r2 = 0.56). There was also evidence that rain suppressed the NH3 emission. Quantifying NH3 emission and dispersion from farms is essential to show the impact of farm management on reducing NH3-related environmental issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M McGinn
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 5403-1 Ave South, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4B1.
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Vasconcelos JT, Greene LW, Cole NA, Brown MS, McCollum FT, Tedeschi LO. Effects of phase feeding of protein on performance, blood urea nitrogen concentration, manure nitrogen:phosphorus ratio, and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. J Anim Sci 2006; 84:3032-8. [PMID: 17032797 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2005-711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Two experiments with a randomized complete block design were conducted to determine the effects of phase feeding of CP on performance, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), manure N:P ratio, and carcass characteristics of steers fed in a feedlot. In Exp. 1, 45 crossbred steers (initial BW = 423 +/- 3.3 kg) were individually fed a diet formulated to contain 13.0% CP (DM basis) for 62 d. On d 63, the dietary CP was maintained at 13.0% or formulated to contain 11.5 or 10.0% CP until slaughter. Actual CP values were 12.8, 11.8, and 9.9%, respectively. Reducing the CP concentration of the diet did not affect ADG of steers from d 62 to 109 (P = 0.54) or over the 109-d feeding period (1.45, 1.50, and 1.49 kg/d for 13.0, 11.5, and 10.0% CP, respectively; P = 0.85). No differences (P > 0.12) among treatments were detected for BUN concentrations on d 0, 62, or 109. Gain:feed, DMI, and carcass characteristics did not differ among treatments (P > 0.10). In Exp. 2, 2 trials were conducted using 184 (initial BW = 406 +/- 2.6 kg) and 162 (initial BW = 342 +/- 1.9 kg) crossbred steers. Data from the 2 trials were pooled for statistical analysis, and trial effect was added to the statistical model. Steers were fed a diet formulated to contain 13.0% CP until reaching approximately 477 kg. When the average BW of the pen was 477 kg, diets were maintained at 13.0% CP or reduced to contain 11.5 or 10.0% CP. Actual CP values were 12.4, 11.5, and 9.3% CP for treatments 13.0, 11.5, and 10.0% CP, respectively. Reducing the CP content of the diet did not affect ADG after the diet changed (P = 0.16) or throughout the finishing period (P = 0.14). Immediately before slaughter, steers fed the 13.0% CP diet had greater (P < 0.001) BUN concentrations than steers fed the 11.5 and 10.0% CP diets. Carcasses from cattle fed the 11.5% CP diet had greater (P = 0.02) fat thickness than the 13.0 and 10.0% CP treatments, whereas carcasses from cattle fed 13.0% CP had greater (P = 0.004) marbling scores than steers fed the 11.5 or 10.0% CP diets. Other carcass characteristics, DMI, and G:F did not differ (P > 0.10) among treatments. The N:P ratio was increased with the 10.0% CP diet (P = 0.02) compared with the 11.5 or 13.5% CP treatments; however, manure composition did not differ (P > 0.10) among treatments. These results indicate that reduced CP concentration during the finishing period does not affect feedlot performance but can improve the N and P relationship in the manure.
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Cole NA, Defoor PJ, Galyean ML, Duff GC, Gleghorn JF. Effects of phase-feeding of crude protein on performance, carcass characteristics, serum urea nitrogen concentrations, and manure nitrogen of finishing beef steers. J Anim Sci 2006; 84:3421-32. [PMID: 17093237 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2006-150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As cattle mature, the dietary protein requirement, as a percentage of the diet, decreases. Thus, decreasing the dietary CP concentration during the latter part of the finishing period might decrease feed costs and N losses to the environment. Three hundred eighteen medium-framed crossbred steers (315 +/- 5 kg) fed 90% (DM basis) concentrate, steam-flaked, corn-based diets were used to evaluate the effect of phase-feeding of CP on performance and carcass characteristics, serum urea N concentrations, and manure characteristics. Steers were blocked by BW and assigned randomly to 36 feedlot pens (8 to 10 steers per pen). After a 21-d step-up period, the following dietary treatments (DM basis) were assigned randomly to pens within a weight block: 1) 11.5% CP diet fed throughout; 2) 13% CP diet fed throughout; 3) switched from an 11.5 to a 10% CP diet when approximately 56 d remained in the feeding period; 4) switched from a 13 to an 11.5% CP diet when 56 d remained; 5) switched from a 13 to a 10% CP diet when 56 d remained; and 6) switched from a 13 to an 11.5% CP diet when 28 d remained. Blocks of cattle were slaughtered when approximately 60% of the cattle within the weight block were visually estimated to grade USDA Choice (average days on feed = 182). Nitrogen volatilization losses were estimated by the change in the N:P ratio of the diet and pen surface manure. Cattle switched from 13 to 10% CP diets with 56 d remaining on feed or from 13 to 11.5% CP with only 28 d remaining on feed had lower (P < 0.05) ADG, DMI, and G:F than steers fed a 13% CP diet throughout. Steers on the phase-feeding regimens had lower (P = 0.05) ADG and DMI during the last 56 d on feed than steers fed 13.0% CP diet throughout. Carcass characteristics were not affected by dietary regimen. Performance by cattle fed a constant 11.5% CP diet did not differ from those fed a 13% CP diet. Serum urea N concentrations increased (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary CP concentrations. Phase-feeding decreased estimated N excretion by 1.5 to 3.8 kg/steer and nitrogen volatilization losses by 3 to 5 kg/steer. The results suggest that modest changes in dietary CP concentration in the latter portion of the feeding period may have relatively small effects on overall beef cattle performance, but that decreasing dietary CP to 10% of DM would adversely affect performance of cattle fed high-concentrate, steam-flaked, corn-based diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Cole
- USDA-ARS Conservation and Production Research Laboratory, Bushland, TX 79012, USA.
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