Representative Survey for Evaluating Housing and Manure Handling Technologies of the Hungarian Pig Sector

Abstract

In Hungary, there is a lack of information on the pig production technologies in place in the base year of 2005 and changes since then, as well as a lack of information on the number of pigs kept in different age and production categories, which makes it difficult to calculate ammonia emissions and reductions in the national inventories. Our research team conducted a representative survey of pig farms to assess housing and manure management technologies in the Hungarian pig sector in 2005 and 2015. Novel expert-based calculation methods were developed to convert farm data on pig populations into daily average numbers (DAN) of animals in different statistical categories and feeding phases. The survey resulted in a representative database of housing, manure handling, storage and manure application practices in Hungarian pig production. The data and methodology from the survey helped to develop an ammonia emission calculator and knowledge transfer tool (AGEM-S) for use by farmers.

Intelligent Animal Husbandry: Present and Future

“…The main priorities in the contemporary breeding of different animal species have been directed toward the use of intelligent approaches for accelerating genetic progress, ensuring animal welfare and environmental protection by reducing the release of manure and gas emissions [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. An innovative way to achieve accelerated genetic progress in cattle breeding is the use of sexed semen from bulls with high genetic potential, the development of effective estrus synchronization protocols, and the application of innovative systems for artificial insemination.…”

“…These can detect different changes in the environment, animal behavior, and some indicators characterizing their health status [ 1 , 7 , 8 ]. Housing a smaller number of animals in a good health condition, but with better productive qualities, is associated with a higher profitability of the farm and the production of lower manure masses, which has a crucial role in protecting the environment and reducing gasses from the animal husbandry industry [ 4 , 9 ]. Digitization of the technological process and the implementation of computer algorithms for processing the received information enable the adequate analysis of all factors influencing the production of milk and/or meat with high quality and making correct management decisions [ 10 , 11 ].…”

“…This Special Issue presents experimental and review material for discussing a wide spectrum of questions related to “Intelligent Animal Husbandry”, from the use of modern technologies for genetic progress in animals, to the application of information and communications technologies (ICT) to control the behavior and breeding conditions of animals, to intelligent waste management in animal husbandry ( Figure 1 ). The publications included in the collection reflect an opportunity for intelligent approaches and smart solutions for raising different species of farm animals: dairy animals, such as cows and buffaloes [ 6 , 12 ]; pigs [ 4 , 13 ]; silkworms [ 14 ]; rabbits [ 8 ]; and chickens [ 11 ].…”

“…Inadequate manure management is a major contributor of ammonia (NH 3 ) and greenhouse gasses emissions that occur at all stages of manure production and handling [ 9 ]. The article by Benedek et al [ 4 ] reflects a representative survey of pig farms to assess housing and manure management technologies in the Hungarian pig sector. During the survey, a new expert-based calculation method for converting farm data on pig numbers was developed.…”

“…During the survey, a new expert-based calculation method for converting farm data on pig numbers was developed. The survey methodology helped to elaborate an ammonia emissions calculator and knowledge transfer tool (AGEM-S) for use by farmers [ 4 ].…”