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Study evaluates odour control technologies for Alberta’s livestock industry

A new Alberta study evaluating five odour control technologies will help pave the way for improved management of livestock odours in the province. This three-year study is funded in part by the Alberta Livestock Industry Development Fund (ALIDF).

“Odour control is a major priority for the expanding livestock industry,” says Ike Edeogu, Project Co-ordinator for Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. “A number of different technologies have been developed to help reduce odours. Our objective is to evaluate these different technologies in a consistent and unbiased manner. This will provide producers with the most cost-effective options for their operations.”

The adoption of proven technologies will help reduce the impact of livestock odours on neighbouring communities, says Edeogu. These technologies also hold the potential to reduce the minimum distance separation (MDS) between livestock operations and their neighbours. This reduction may provide more flexibility when siting new confined feeding operations.

The five odour control technologies being evaluated include biofiltration, an automated oil sprinkler, diet manipulation, manure composting instead of direct application of manure on land and the use of an additive when composting feedlot manure.

Biofiltration is one of the more promising technologies, says Edeogu. Biofiltration uses microorganisms in a biodegradable filter to break down and remove odours in the air flowing through the system. This part of the study will evaluate if a biofilter can be used to effectively reduce odour in the exhaust air from a pig barn and manure storage facility located inside the barn.

The odour control technology study is one of 18 new initiatives supported by ALIDF. In a related ALIDF-funded project, Dr. John Feddes at the University of Alberta is working toward the development of a siting tool and odour monitoring procedures for Alberta livestock operations.

ALIDF was created in 2001 with an $11 million commitment from the Alberta government. It is managed by nine major livestock groups that are signatories to the Fund. The poultry industry is represented by the Alberta Chicken Producers, Alberta Hatching Egg Producers, Alberta Egg Producers and Alberta Turkey Producers. Alberta Milk Producers and Alberta Pork represent the dairy and pork industries. The beef industry is represented by the Alberta Cattle Commission, Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association and the Western Stock Growers Association.

“Odour is one of the challenges producers are tackling in order to keep the livestock industry sustainable,” says Darcy Fitzgerald, the Fund’s General Manager. “ALIDF funds initiatives like this one in order to help the industry and individual producers reach their full potential.”

Six funding groups are currently accepting agricultural research pre-proposals through a new online Internet process from August 1 through to October 11, 2002. For more information on how to apply for funding or for an outline of ALIDF’s mandate and progress go to the ALIDF Web site at www.alidf.ca.

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