Housing techniques and management tools for ammonia and odour emission reduction in the Flemish pig husbandry (CAEH - Control of Air quality and Emissions at animal Houses)

Main research question/goal

Flanders needs efficient and affordable techniques to reduce ammonia and odor emissions from piggeries. This research project aims to develop such techniques and to help implementing these in the pig fattening industry. In addition to individual techniques, the focus is also on the efficiency of technique combinations and their applicability for different farm types. Finally, testing platforms will be developed that allow to test new emission reduction techniques in cooperation with manufacturers.

Research approach

In order to develop and evaluate different emission reduction techniques we apply a combined approach of lab experiments, practice trials and modeling (e.g. CFD or Computational Fluid Dynamics). We focus on three types of techniques: ventilation, air treatment and guiding the air outside the barn. Most practice trials take place in the newly build and well equipped Pig Complex of ILVO/Ghent University. Knowledge transfer takes place through odor audits, organizing learning networks, demonstrations and specific services (e.g. via the testing platforms).

Relevance/Valorisation

For regulatory purposes (i.e. to obtain permits) it is essential that the sector can choose to apply efficient and affordable odor emission reduction techniques. This project thus serves both industry and policy needs. The testing platforms allow to set up parallel research and development trajectories in cooperation with technical providers. Policy support actions can also connect with the project. The project valorization actions coincide with the VEMIS activities (e.g. member platform, policy platform and scientific platform). ILVO is one of the founding members of VEMIS.

Funding provider(s)
IWT - Instituut voor de aanmoediging door wetenschap en technologie in Vlaanderen

External partner(s)
Inagro
Innovatiesteunpunt Boerenbond
Ugent - Fac. Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen