Download - Livestock and the Environment
Livestock and the
Environment
Johanna Davis
A. Agricultural Concerns
Federal & State Environmental Laws
Endangered Species Act
B. Environmental Problems of Livestock
Production
1. Changes in Livestock Production
Trend toward larger livestock operations
Use of large livestock confinement systems such as feedlots
2. Changing Environment of Agriculture
Migration of city dwellers to agricultural areas.
Why?•Escape problems of city life•Attracted to recreational developments
Changing Environment of Agriculture, cont
Attitudes•Find odors offensive•Unaware of byproducts of livestock production
3. Livestock Waste Disposal Concerns
Communities share the cost of waste disposal in cities
Cost of facility – several million dollarsCost to individual in city - $100 to $200
Livestock Waste Disposal Concerns, cont
Individuals responsible for cost for livestock enterprises
200,000 hens, 1,200 head of cattle in a feedlot, 10,500 hogs may produce as much waste as 20,000 people.
C. Agricultural Disposal Systems
Must be part of the total management planMust be affordableMust meet the expectations of the non farming people who live nearbyMust meet environmental regulations
D. Federal RegulationsFederal Water Quality Act of 1965Refuse Act of 1899Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965Federal Clean Air Act
E. State RegulationsMost states have some type of environmental protection agencyEnforce State & Federal regulationsNuisance Laws
May include odors, dust, chemicals, water pollution, animal noises, carcass disposal, etc
F. Water PollutantsEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)EPA monitors
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)Fecal ColiformFecal StreptococcusSuspended SolidsPhosphorusAmmonia
G. Handling Livestock Wastes
Objective is to control
OdorsDustFliesRodents
Prevent surface & groundwater pollution
other Nuisances
Handling Livestock Wastes, cont.
Amount of Manure ProducedSpeciesAge of AnimalRation Fed
Handling Livestock Wastes, cont.
Fertilizer Usage– Nutrient Content Factors
Length of time in storageMethod of treatmentAmount and type of bedding usedAmount of dilution by water entering the system
F. Manure Handling Systems
Factors to considerEPA RegulationsKind of Animal Being RaisedKind of Housing and ManagementSize and Type of OperationClimateCharacteristics of Operation
Manure Handling Systems, cont.
Classification of FacilitiesConfined•Open Lot •Lot and Shelter•Enclosed Shelter
Unconfined•Pasture •Range
Manure Handling Systems, cont.
Types of SystemsLiquid•Pits•Lagoon•Storage Basins
Solid
G. Determining the Amount of
Livestock Waste to Apply on the Land
Determining the Amount of Livestock Waste to Apply on the Land
Agronomic Nitrogen RateAvailable Nitrogen per unit of yield necessary to produce a given cropVaries with speciesVaries with ration fedVaries with method of collection and storage
Phosphorus Requirements
H. Disposing of ManureSpread on land
All solid systemsAll liquid systems except lagoons
Valuable as fertilizers
Disposing of Manure, cont.Environmental Considerations
Must be incorporated or injected in the soilsDo not apply to frozen or snow cover land Do not apply immediately before or after a rainstorm to to saturated land
. Disposing of Manure, cont.
Do not apply to grass waterwaysDo not apply within 200 feet of surface waters or within 150 feet of a wellReduce the amount applied if there is a high water table present or if soil is highly permeable
I. Preventing Feedlot Runoff
Diversion – prevent surface water from enteringDrainage – channel runoff from feedlot
Preventing Feedlot Runoff, cont
Debris basins – catch run off from pensHolding ponds – temporary storage for runoffDisposal – collect and use for irrigation or allow to evaporate
J. Gases and Odors from Livestock Wastes
Caused by anaerobic bacteria breaking down the organic components
Occurs when no Oxygen is present
Gases and Odors from Livestock Wastes, cont
Gases dangerous to people and livestock in poorly ventilated or confinement areasOdors may cause neighbors to take legal action against the farmer
Gases and Odors from Livestock Wastes, cont
Control Methods
Reduced by mixing air with manure
Mix manure in soil as soon as possible after hauling/spreading
Gases and Odors from Livestock Wastes, cont
Chemical and Bacterial culture•Masking agents
Cover up odors•Counteractants
Attempt to neutralize odors
Gases and Odors from Livestock Wastes, cont
Chemical and Bacterial culture, cont
•DeodorantsChemicals that kill the bacteria that cause odor
•Digestive deodorantsCreate a digestive process to eliminate odor
K. Disposal of Dead Animals
Responsibility of ownerMany states require within 24 to 48 hrsDone so as not to cause health hazard
Diseases may spread to other animals/humansTreat any dead animal as though diseasedEliminate environmental threats
Disposal of Dead Animals, cont
Transport in a covered, metal, leak proof vehicleApproved Methods
Licensed disposal plantBuryingDisposal pitsBurningComposting
F. Livestock LawsAnimal Trespass
Owner Liability • Damage to property
Estray• Domestic Animal of Unknown ownership running at large
Land owner may retain possession until compensated (varies by states)
Livestock Laws, cont
Animals On HighwaysMay cause traffic accidentsOwner Liability •Usually negligence must be proven
Revised 2/1/2001