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Can Mass Balance Be Trusted in Estimating N Loss for Meat-Poultry Housing?
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Conference Proceedings and Presentations
  • Hong Li, Iowa State University
  • Hongwei Xin, Iowa State University
  • Robert T. Burns, Iowa State University
  • Steven J. Hoff, Iowa State University
  • Jay D. Harmon, Iowa State University
  • Larry D. Jacobson, University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
  • Sally Noll, University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
  • Jacek A. Koziel, Iowa State University
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Conference
2009 ASABE Annual International Meeting
Publication Date
6-1-2009
Geolocation
(39.5296329, -119.8138027)
Abstract

Quantification of ammonia loss from animal feeding operations by measuring gaseous concentration and air exchange through the emitting source is not always practical, e.g., under natural ventilation conditions. Mass balance over an extended period of time may offer possibilities of remedy. This study compares two NH3-N emission estimate approaches for a commercial turkey grow-out house over one year period: a) a concentration-flow-integration (CFI) method (considered as the reference method), and b) a nitrogen (N) mass-balance method. The CFI NH3-N emission was determined by continuously measuring the NH3 concentration and exhaust air flow rate through the turkey house with a state-of-the-art mobile air emission unit. The mass-balance N emission was calculated by balancing the total N inputs (new bedding, young birds, feed) and N output (litter cake removed between flocks, litter removed at cleanout, amount of marketed birds, mortality, and body N content). The production-related data were acquired from the records kept or presented to the cooperative producer. The results revealed unexpectedly large discrepancy in NH3-N loss between the two methods. The outcome of this study cast serious doubt about the adequacy of using mass balance for estimating NH3 emissions from a dynamic production system such as turkey houses.

Comments

This is an ASABE Meeting Presentation, Paper No. 096323.

Copyright Owner
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Language
en
Citation Information
Hong Li, Hongwei Xin, Robert T. Burns, Steven J. Hoff, et al.. "Can Mass Balance Be Trusted in Estimating N Loss for Meat-Poultry Housing?" Reno, NV(2009)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jacek_koziel/35/