Impact of construction and technological solution of dairy cows housing on production of ammonia and greenhouse gases in winter

Abstract

The aim of this experiment was to analyze the changes of ammonia production and greenhouse gases in frequent type of stables for dairy cows in winter. Two analyzed stables were situated side by side, one of which is after reconstruction of housing and ventilation technology and the second stable remained in original state. Variances of the mass concentration of gases differed significantly (P < 0.05), and the production of all gases monitored in winter was higher in the original stable. The average ammonia production was 2.45 ± 1.9 mg/m<sup>3 </sup>in the reconstructed stable, while in the original stable it was 5.1 ± 2.7 mg/m<sup>3</sup>. Average CO<sub>2</sub> production was nearly twice higher in the unreconstructed building, namely 2,045.5 ± 862.3 mg/m<sup>3</sup>, while in the renovated facility it was 1,254.2 ± 416.2 mg/m<sup>3 </sup>(P < 0.05). The described type of reconstruction provides increased comfort for animals, which gives rise to a significant increase in production parameters, but also allows up to twice the reduction of hazardous pollutants such as CO<sub>2</sub> and ammonia

The Effect of Dairy Cattle Housing Systems on the Concentrations and Emissions of Gaseous Mixtures in Barns Determined by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

“…In other studies, maximum CO2 levels were determined at 2130 ppm in semi-open barns (Dimov et al, 2019), 2450 ppm in a tie-stall barn (Kavolelis, 2006), or even at 2680 ppm (Karandušovská et al, 2015). According to Dimov et al (2019), temperature and relative humidity are correlated with CO2 levels.…”

“…In the cited study, the maximum CH4 concentration was determined at 205 ppm in stalls and at 870 mm above the slurry pit. Methane poses a threat for cattle when its concentration exceeds 1000 ppm (Karandušovská et al, 2015), which indicates that the technological systems deployed in the evaluated barns were effective in maintaining methane concentrations within safe limits for the animals and the staff. It should be noted that in our study, the mean CH4 emission (52 g h -1 cow -1 ) was relatively high.…”

“…In the work of Karandušovská et al (2015), the mean NH3 concentration in stalls with litter ranged from 2 to 9 ppm. In the cited study, the maximum NH3 levels were determined at 20 ppm in stalls and at 63 ppm above the slurry channel.…”

“…In the literature, CH4 concentrations in barns were rarely investigated at different points. Karandušovská et al (2015) used a photoacoustic gas detector with a multi-channel sampling system to measure methane levels at different points in two barns. The mean CH4 concentration was determined at 14-51 ppm, which approximates the minimum values noted in the present experiment.…”

Effect of Climatic Conditions on Differences in Thermo-Technical Properties of Organic Bedding in Laboratory Testing

“…Each cleaning, levelling, removing and re-bedding of litter has a significant impact on the production of harmful gases and its optimization is important both for animals and for the environment (Karandušovská et al, 2013;Karandušovská et al, 2015). Recycled manure solids are almost exclusively used in cubicles, both on mattresses and as deep beds.…”