The Environmental Impact of Pig Farming

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a methodology to evaluate the protection of animals and people from the harmful effects of the farm’s microclimate and environment, taking into consideration the energy, economic and environmental indicators. To achieve this goal, the following were determined for 2019 for the eight countries which are the world leaders in the field of pig farming: the volumes of carbon dioxide pollution, ammonia, dust and manure, and the analytical dependencies between the feed consumption, pig productivity and the concentration of ammonia inside the farm. The weight gain of pigs reduced by 15% with an increase in the concentration of ammonia in the internal air of livestock houses to 20 mg/m3 , but the feed wastage increased by 12%. Mathematical models were developed to estimate the relationships between the feed consumption, pig productivity and the concentration of harmful gas (ammonia) which is one of the main parameters of the microclimate. The results will be used in making technical and technological decisions in the field of microclimate, cleaning and disposal of farm manure.
 Keywords: pig, farming, ecology, environment

Assessing Environmental and Feed Quality in Southeast Livestock Production

“…Pig farms are rendezvous of ammonia and other toxic chemicals like hydrogen sulfide that affect delicate regions of the human body; these wastes released from urine by these pigs and their faeces. When the waste water and the faeces are not properly disposed, they contribute to heterotrophic bacteria count [18]. Because the water, soil and air within pig farms are not taken care of by the farmers, therefore they could be harbingers of bacteria [19].…”

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“…As noted by T. Soleimani & H. Gilbert (2021), the main methods for reducing the influence of pig farms on the external environment are the preparation of appropriate rations in accordance with the genetic line requirements, as well as ensuring their ecological optimisation. In turn, G. Samarin et al (2021) study the features of the EU countries attitude to this problem. They write that the European Union already has an active program of ecologically clean agriculture, which includes several strategic areas, namely: protection of livestock and people from harmful microorganisms; development of ecological production of products; development and improvement of equipment for waste disposal and cleaning of livestock breeding emissions; development of regulatory documents on environmental protection and reduction of product losses during transportation.…”

Can Organic Pork Help Achieve Sustainable Development Goals in Thailand?

“…Yet pork production and consumption can contribute to adverse environmental impacts raising many ecosystem sustainability, socioeconomic and human health concerns. Intensive pig husbandry systems can generate large greenhouse gases emissions (GHGs), affecting climate and health [30]. Antibiotics use is another concern.…”