Mitigation of Odour in Swine Production Facilities: A Scientific Approach

Animal households can emit significant amounts of aerial pollutants such as odorous compounds and gasses. Swine odour is generated by anaerobic decomposition of manure, feed materials, and wastewater. Management practices such as daily cleaning, ventilation, floor design, drainage and periodic removal of manure are important to reduce odour effects. Airborne pollutants exposed to high concentrations of VOCs (NH3, CH4, H2S, NOx, etc.), dust, and a number of bio-aerosols (bacteria, viruses, endotoxins, parasites, fungi, mycotoxins, etc.) have detrimental effect on the health and wellbeing of both animals and farm worker. There are many technologies available to minimize odour such as dietary modification, liquid-solid separation, bio-filtration, covers for manure storage, and dust suppression. Of all available technologies, it is important for swine farmers to adopt a particular low cost technology for sustainable pig farming in India.