How to Reduce Pig Farm Odors

Most large-animal farms will produce a variety of unpleasant odors, especially if many animals are confined to small areas. In many cases, these odors directly relate to the excrement of the animals kept. Pigs, as naturally clean animals, typically use only one spot for elimination, which can help farmers control the odors they create. Reducing the odors caused by keeping pigs by many methods is a fairly straightforward process, but it may require the assistance of multiple individuals, farm machinery or changes in standard farm practices.

Things You'll Need

  • Scentometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Test the ambient air at various points of the farm with a scentometer and record the results. The scentometer measures odor intensity, and it can help farmers identify problem areas where their odor-management practices can be most beneficial. Scentometers are also helpful because those who are most often in contact with the odors are often desensitized to the strength of the smell, and the scentometer measuring device provides an objective analysis of odor strength.

    • 2

      Apply rigorous waste-cleaning schedules. Whether kept indoors or out, collect the waste that pigs generate on a daily basis. If pigs are kept on soft bedding, soiled bedding should be removed daily, and fresh bedding added. Pigs kept on concrete or lifted grate surfaces should have their waste hosed away. Combine solid wastes in a compost pile, onto which you can recycle other farm waste and into which you can introduce aerobic organisms to reduce odors and facilitate breakdown; store liquid wastes in lagoons or tanks.

    • 3

      Install exhaust air treatment filtration systems into all areas where the pigs are kept indoors. Although these systems can be relatively expensive, according to Best Environmental Management Practices, a joint study by Purdue and Michigan State Universities, biofilters for such systems can reduce odors by 50 to 90 percent. For small farms or those with restricted budgets, any air circulation system (such as ceiling and box fans) will offer benefits compared to having none.

    • 4

      Keep all hard surfaces free of compacted manure and moisture by introducing thorough hard-surface cleaning schedules. Stagnant water and waste, according to the same university study, is the largest cause of strong, offensive odors. Hose down hard surfaces, and use either plastic scrapers or hard-bristled brushes to maneuver waste to a pre-determined runoff area or waste tank.

    • 5

      Time all applications of manure or waste to farmland such that prevailing winds are low, and neighbor activity is at a minimum. Ideally, you would apply the waste late at night or very early in the morning.

    • 6

      Alter the hogs' diet. According to an article in the National Hog Farmer, replacing crude proteins with crystalline amino acids can reduce the odor of the animals' manure by 20 percent. You can buy this feed at most farm-feed suppliers or order it from specialty manufacturers.

    • 7

      Plant buffer vegetation, such as shrubs and trees. Buffer vegetation around pens and around the farm can help lift and reduce odor penetration into surrounding areas.