1. 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
July 2002

2. Agricultural Concerns
Federal & State Environmental Laws
Endangered Species Act

3. B. Environmental Problems of Livestock Production

4. 1. Changes in Livestock Production
Trend toward larger livestock operations
Use of large livestock confinement systems such as feedlots

5. 2. Changing Environment of Agriculture
Migration of city dwellers to agricultural areas.
Why?
Escape problems of city life
Attracted to recreational developments

6. Changing Environment of Agriculture, cont
-Attitudes
Find odors offensive
Unaware of byproducts of livestock production

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

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

11. 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.

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

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

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

15. 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

16. 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

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

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

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

20. 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

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

22. 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

23. 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

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

25. 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

26. L. Gases and Odors from Livestock Wastes
Caused by anaerobic bacteria breaking down the organic components
Occurs when no oxygen is present

27. 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

28. 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

29. Gases and Odors from Livestock Wastes, cont
Chemical and Bacterial culture
Masking agents
Cover up odors
Countereactants
Attempt to neutralize odors

30. 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

31. 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

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

33. 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)

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