Relating flock activity levels to odour variations in tunnel ventilated broiler sheds - preliminary results

Abstract

Malodorous emissions are an inevitable part of intensive livestock production. Emissions fluctuate and their impacts are subject to the surrounding topography and the vagaries of the weather. When handling odour complaints, regulatory authorities are often faced with the dilemma of assessing situations after the fact and without any supporting data. Recent developments in electronic nose technology have enabled continuous in-shed measurement of odour in broiler sheds which can help identify periods of elevated odour concentration (odour spikes). The issue then is to determine what causes these odour spikes. Increased flock activity is one possible cause. This paper examines the concept of using machine vision-derived activity indices to help characterise these odour spikes and delineate between normal odour emission levels and emissions directly attributable to increased flock activity. The implication of these findings is that odour control should include monitoring flock activity levels and taking action to minimise or prevent hyperactivity in the flock, especially at those critical times of the day when emissions are most likely to impact on neighbours and result in complaints.