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