1. Livestock and the Environment
From foukeffa.org
Written by Johanna Davis
Revised by Nicki Schaefer
GA Ag Ed 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
Changes in Livestock Production
Trend toward larger livestock operations
Use of large livestock confinement systems such as feedlots .
Changing Environment of Agriculture
Migration of city dwellers to agricultural areas
Why?
Escape problems of city life

4. B. Environmental Problems of Livestock Production(cont.)
•Attracted to recreational developments
Attitudes
Find odors offensive
Unaware of byproducts of livestock production
3. Livestock Waste Disposal Concerns
Communities share the cost of waste disposal in cities

5. B. Environmental Problems of Livestock Production(cont.)
Cost of facility: several million dollars
Cost to individual: $100 to $200
•Individuals responsible for cost of livestock enterprises
200,000 hens, 1,200 head of cattle in a feedlot, or
10,500 hogs may produce as much waste as
20,000 people.

6. C. Agricultural Disposal Systems
Must be part of the total management plan
Must be affordable
Must meet the expectations of the non-farming neighbors
Must meet environmental regulations

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

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

9. F. Water Pollutants Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA monitors:
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
Fecal Coliforms
Fecal Streptococci
Suspended Solids
Phosphorus
Ammonia

10. G. Handling Livestock Waste
Objective is to control:
-Odors
-Dust
-Flies
-Rodents
-Surface & groundwater pollution
-Other nuisances

11. G. Handling Livestock Wastes, (cont.)
Amount of manure produced (determined by):
Species
Age of Animal
Ration Fed
Fertilizer usage (determined by):
Length of time in storage
Method of treatment
Nutrient content

12. G. Handling Livestock Wastes, (cont.)
• Amount and type of bedding used
• Amount of dilution by water entering the system

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

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

15. H. Manure Handling Systems, (cont.)
Types of Systems
Liquid
Pits
Lagoon
Storage Basins
Solid

16. I. 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

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

18. J. Disposing of Manure, (cont.)
• Environmental Considerations
Must be incorporated or injected into the soil
Do not apply to frozen or snow-covered land
Do not apply to saturated land immediately before or after a rainstorm

19. J. Disposing of Manure, (cont.)
Do not apply to grass waterways
Do not apply within 200 feet of surface water 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

20. K. Preventing Feedlot Runoff
Diversion: preventing surface water from entering feedlot
Drainage: channeling runoff from feedlot

21. K. Preventing Feedlot Runoff, (cont.)
Debris basins: basins which catch runoff from pens
Holding ponds: temporary storage for runoff
Disposal: collecting waste and using it for irrigation or allowing it to evaporate

22. L. Gases and Odors from Livestock Waste
Caused by anaerobic bacteria breaking down the organic components
Occurs when no oxygen is present
Gases become dangerous to people and livestock in poorly ventilated areas or confined areas
Odors may cause neighbors to take legal action against the farmer

23. L. Gases and Odors from Livestock Wastes, (cont.)
Control Methods
Reduce toxicity by mixing air with manure
Mix manure in soil as soon as possible after hauling/spreading
• Chemical and bacterial cultures test for:
– Masking agents
•Cover up odors
–Counteractants
•Attempt to neutralize odors

24. L. Gases and Odors from Livestock Wastes, (cont.)
– Deodorants
• Chemicals that kill the bacteria that cause odor
– Digestive deodorants
• Create a digestive process to eliminate odor

25. M. Disposal of Dead Animals
Responsibility of owner
Many states require disposal within 24 to 48 hrs.
Method of disposal must prevent health hazards
Treat any dead animal as though diseased
Eliminate environmental threats

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

27. 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 states)

28. N. Livestock Laws, (cont.)
Animals On Highways
May cause traffic accidents
Owner Liability
Usually negligence must be proven