Livestock and the Environment From foukeffa.org Written by Johanna Davis Modified by Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Office To accompany the Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Lesson 01432-1.3 July 2002

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 dollars Cost 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 plan Must be affordable Must meet the expectations of the non-farming people who live nearby Must meet environmental regulations

D. Federal Regulations Federal Water Quality Act of 1965 Refuse Act of 1899 Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965 Federal Clean Air Act

E. State Regulations Most states have some type of environmental protection agency Enforce State & Federal regulations Nuisance Laws May include odors, dust, chemicals, water pollution, animal noises, carcass disposal, etc.

F. Water Pollutants Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) EPA monitors: Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) Fecal Coliform Fecal Streptococcus Suspended Solids Phosphorus Ammonia

G. Handling Livestock Wastes Objective is to control: Odors Dust Flies Rodents Prevent surface & groundwater pollution other Nuisances

Handling Livestock Wastes, cont. Amount of Manure Produced Species Age of Animal Ration Fed

Handling Livestock Wastes, cont. Fertilizer Usage– Nutrient Content Factors Length of time in storage Method of treatment Amount and type of bedding used Amount of dilution by water entering the system

H. Manure Handling Systems Factors to consider EPA Regulations Kind of Animal Being Raised Kind of Housing and Management Size and Type of Operation Climate Characteristics of Operation

Manure Handling Systems, cont. Classification of Facilities Confined Open Lot Lot and Shelter Enclosed Shelter Unconfined Pasture Range

Manure Handling Systems, cont. Types of Systems Liquid Pits Lagoon Storage Basins Solid

I. Determining the Amount of Livestock Waste to Apply on the Land

Determining the Amount of Livestock Waste to Apply on the Land Agronomic Nitrogen Rate Available Nitrogen per unit of yield necessary to produce a given crop Varies with species Varies with ration fed Varies with method of collection and storage Phosphorus Requirements

J. Disposing of Manure Spread on land All solid systems All liquid systems except lagoons Valuable as fertilizers

Disposing of Manure, cont. Environmental Considerations Must be incorporated or injected in the soils Do not apply to frozen or snow covered land Do not apply immediately before or after a rainstorm or to saturated land

Disposing of Manure, cont. Do not apply to grass waterways Do not apply within 200 feet of surface waters or within 150 feet of a well Reduce the amount applied if there is a high water table present or if soil is highly permeable

K. Preventing Feedlot Runoff Diversion – prevent surface water from entering Drainage – channel runoff from feedlot

Preventing Feedlot Runoff, cont Debris basins – catch run off from pens Holding ponds – temporary storage for runoff Disposal – collect and use for irrigation or allow to evaporate

L. 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 areas Odors 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 Countereactants Attempt to neutralize odors

Gases and Odors from Livestock Wastes, cont Chemical and Bacterial culture, cont Deodorants Chemicals that kill the bacteria that cause odor Digestive deodorants Create a digestive process to eliminate odor

M. Disposal of Dead Animals Responsibility of owner Many states require within 24 to 48 hrs Done so as not to cause health hazard Diseases may spread to other animals/humans Treat any dead animal as though diseased Eliminate environmental threats

Disposal of Dead Animals, cont Transport in a covered, metal, leak proof vehicle Approved Methods Licensed disposal plant Burying Disposal pits Burning Composting

N. Livestock Laws Animal Trespass Owner Liability Damage to property Estray Domestic Animal of Unknown ownership running at large Land owner may retain possession until compensated (varies by state)

May cause traffic accidents Livestock Laws, cont Animals On Highways May cause traffic accidents Owner Liability Usually negligence must be proven