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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #114240
Title: ANIMAL MANURE: THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOOD SAFETY

Author
item Reeves Iii, James
item Byers, Floyd
item Dao, Thanh
item Lefcourt, Alan
item Van Kessel, Jo Ann

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/8/2000
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The Nutrient Conservation and Metabolism Lab is the center of an integrated research program on livestock manures and their effects on the environment and food safety. Individual research programs are placing emphasis on the following areas: 1. Conversion of ammonium- and organic-N to N2 within anaerobic lagoons represents a potential treatment mechanism, and research is being conducted to evaluate the mechanisms of N2 and nitrous oxide gas production; 2. Characterizing the forms of organic P in manure and the physical and biochemical factors that influence the bio-availability of P from manure and manure-amended soils, and the utilization of knowledge of the chemistry of manure, mineral by-products and organic polymers to develop manure treatment and management practices; 3. Gaseous emissions are also being investigated utilizing an environmental chamber capable of housing six dairy cows or manure processing equipment with the goal to determine the impact of environmental conditions on emissions and to develop methods to mitigate adverse environmental impact; 4. The testing and development of rapid methods for the determination of N and P concentrations and mineralzation in manures; 5. The consequences of changes in the nutrient flow, diet- or additive-induced changes on the microbial ecology and physiology of the lower gastrointestinal tract with respect to types and level of pathogens shed; and 6. Potential strategies for reducing the pathogen load of the manure after excretion.