Efficacy of Aluminum Chloride in Pig Slurry Odor Control During Storage

Abstract

Odor emission from animal wastes such as manure and slurry seriously affects animal health, and their environment. The control technology for odor emissions is still needed. Thus, the objective of the current study was to evaluate aluminum chloride (AlCl3) as an acidifier to reduce odorous compounds from pig slurry, as well as microclimatic temperature variations and pig eye conditions in pig indoor facilities during storage. A total of 360 crossbred fattening pigs ([Landrace x Yorkshire] x Duroc]) with an average body weight of 60.5 ± 1.21 kg, were randomly divided into nine-floor pens (40 pigs/pen) in a single facility for a month. Aluminum chloride was added weekly to pig slurry pits (3.5x9.0x1.5 m) at 0, 0.05, and 0.1% AlCl3 on a volumetric basis determined by the estimated final manure volume for each flush cycle. Ammonia levels were measured twice a week at 90 cm height and ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide levels were measured twice a week at 10 cm height from the pig slurry pits. Over time, the addition of 0.05% and 0.1% AlCl3 decreased overall ammonia and hydrogen sulfide losses and average ammonia and hydrogen sulfide levels at 10 cm height and overall ammonia losses at 90 cm height from the pig slurry pits. Methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulfite gases were not detected at 10 cm height from the pig slurry pits. In addition, the microclimatic temperature and eye inflammation were reduced by the 0.05% and 0.1% AlCl3 treatments because of the acidifying properties of AlCl3. AlCl3treatment is the best management practice that improves a pig-rearing environment. © 2023 by the authors. Licensee ResearchersLinks Ltd, England, UK. All Rights Reserved.