Ammonia Emission Characteristics of a Mechanically Ventilated Swine Finishing Facility in Korea

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to determine the ammonia emission characteristics through analysis of ammonia concentration, ventilation rate, temperature, and relative humidity pattern in a mechanically ventilated swine finishing facility in Korea. Three pig rooms with similar environmental conditions were selected for repeated experimentation (Rooms A–C). Ammonia concentrations were measured using a photoacoustic gas monitor, and ventilation volume was estimated by applying the least error statistical model to supplement the missing data after measurement at several operation rates using a wind tunnel-based method. The mean ammonia concentrations were 4.19 ppm, and the ventilation rates were 24.9 m3 h−1 pig−1. Ammonia emissions were calculated within the range of 0.40–5.01, 0.25–4.16, and 0.37–5.68 g d−1 pig−1 for Room A, Room B, and Room C, respectively. Ammonia concentration and ventilation rate showed a weak negative correlation (r = −0.13). Ammonia emissions were more markedly affected by ammonia concentration (r = 0.88) than ventilation rate (r = 0.31). This indicates that ammonia concentration reduction can be effective in reducing ammonia emissions. The mean daily ammonia emissions, which increased exponentially over the finishing periods, were calculated as 1.78, 1.57, and 1.70 g d−1 pig−1 for Room A, Room B, and Room C, respectively (average 1.68 g d−1 pig−1).

Keywords

• ammonia
• emission
• finishing
• mechanical ventilation
• swine