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

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations and emissions of greenhouse and odorous gases in different types of dairy cattle housing systems with the use of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The study was performed in autumn and winter in four types of dairy cattle barns with different process and technical systems (free-stall, deep litter – FS-DL; free-stall, sub-floor manure storage – FS-SFM; free-stall, litter in stalls – FS-LS; tie-stall, litter in stalls – TS-LS) in northern Poland. Analyses of gaseous mixtures in barn air were conducted by infrared spectrometry with the multi-component Gasmet DX4030 analyzer. A total of 200 measurement spectra were acquired and subjected to qualitative and quantitative analyses with the Calcmet Professional program with a library of reference spectra for 200 chemical compounds. The results of the study indicate that housing systems and the technological solutions applied in barns exert a considerable influence on the production of greenhouse and odorous gases. Free-stall housing with slatted floors and sub-floor manure storage appears to be the optimal solution for reducing the animals’ exposure to the presence of the analyzed chemical compounds in air, improving animal welfare and minimizing GHG emissions to the environment (considering the optimal ventilation rate). It should be noted that the concentrations of other potentially harmful compounds, for which the maximum safe levels have been specified, were also relatively low in the remaining systems, which points to the observance of high sanitary standards and the use of efficient ventilation systems in the evaluated barns.</jats:p>

Ammonia and Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Dairy Cows on Straw-Based Litter Systems

“…In general, the level of ammonia emissions measured in this study is comparable to the level reported in the Webb synthesis (30 ± 20 g NH 3 -N d -1 animal place -1 [6], but lower than those recently reported in naturally ventilated buildings (40-60 g NH 3 -N d -1 LU -1 , LU: Livestock Unit [4]; 60-100 g NH 3 -N d -1 LU -1 [7]). In addition to the different measurement methods for gas concentrations and ventilation rates, bedding management practices (e.g., straw added every 2 days, accumulation under the animals for 3 months in Witkowska et al [7]) may explain these contrasting results.…”

“…These processes depend on animal behavior and use of space, temperature, moisture content, the carbon (C):N ratio, pH, oxygen level, and the physical structure of the organic substrate. In the literature, conflicting results are reported, as solid manure is described to emit less NH 3 -N than liquid manure at the barn level [3][4][5] or more [6,7]. However, all of these studies were conducted in contrasting environmental conditions, herd sizes, diets, methodological approaches, and manure management practices.…”

The Effect of Housing System on Disease Prevalence and Productive Lifespan of Dairy Herds—A Case Study

“…Stress, poor hygiene, temperature fluctuations, high humidity and inadequate ventilation in the barn can compromise immunity and increase susceptibility to pneumonia [66]. Barns with a slatted floor are characterized by high concentrations of toxic gases, including ammonia, which also contribute to respiratory infections [13,67,68]. This observation could explain the higher prevalence of pneumonia in cows kept on a slatted floor.…”

“…It is difficult to accept the lack of basic freedom of movement in tie-stall systems [10,11]. Research has shown that selected technological solutions can improve animal welfare and decrease greenhouse or toxic gas emissions and microbiological contamination in buildings, which indirectly improves the health status and disease resistance of animals [12,13].…”

Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agriculture in EU Countries—State and Perspectives

“…One method of reducing GHG emissions is by improving or changing the housing system. It may result, depending on the type of animal, up to a 30% reduction of GHG emissions [23][24][25][26]. Another effective method is covering manure or slurry storage and closing the slurry channel, producing a 10% GHG reduction [27,28].…”