Olfactometry analysis of broiler litter from tunnel ventilated sheds
Sashikala, M. P.1* and Richard, M. S.2
Abstract
Poultry litter is a major source of odour emissions in broiler production, thus proper abatement strategies to manage litter odour is needed, considering litter properties, bird numbers and shed operation and management. Litters from two tunnel ventilated sheds were subjected to characterisation of odours for a full broiler production cycle in winter and summer seasons. This study aims to provide information on litter odour production from tunnel ventilated broiler sheds collected at point sources from tunnel ventilated sheds using dynamic olfactometry analysis technique during dynamic olfactometry analysis, an increase in the odour concentration pattern from week 0 to 5 in wet winter litter samples and from 0 to 6 in dry and wet summer litter samples were observed before reduction in the subsequent weeks. Odour concentration obtained for the winter litters ranged from 1421 to 20356 OU/m3 in the dry litter and from 1539 to 115372 OU/m3 in the wet litter and during the summer, the dry and wet litters exhibited odour concentrations ranging from 604 to 83344 OU/m3 and from 812 to 104379 OU/m3, respectively. The highest odour emission was obtained from the wet broiler litter during both seasons. There were no significant impacts identified for between seasons, bedding materials and the number of birds on odour concentration during the study. The deposition of manure, biological fluids and solids substantially transformed the water content and pH of the litters that subsequently amended the physical, chemical and microbial properties of the litter and most likely contributed to the formation and emission of odours from the bedding material. The results suggest odour concentration and emission rate can be minimised with proper management of the litter moisture content and maintenance of the drinker systems.
Keywords: poultry emissions, odour, odorants, odour assessment