Animal Air Quality Research Facility (AAQRF)

Current and on-going research at the AAQRF

The Air We Breathe
By Wendy Powers
Does animal agriculture affect air quality? Here’s what the former CEO of the Institute of Toxicology and Safety says. Read entire article.

The Nose Knows
By Jordan Barnes
MSU Extension has gotten a whiff of a technology that will help educators, farmers and rural residents understand odors better. Extension has trained 10 Animal Ag and Environment AoE (AAE) team members in the use of the Nasal Ranger® for detecting odor levels, both good and bad. Read entire article.

Taking Steps To Improve Air Emissions
By Wendy Powers
Determining how to reduce emissions is a complicated task. Universities across the United States are collaborating to develop a tool that will help producers make those determinations and become even better neighbors. Read entire article

Changing Animal Diets Can Help Control Air Emissions
By Wendy Powers
Odor is among t he top complaints from neighbors of livestock and dairy farms. Modifying animals' diets can cut down odor and complaints. Read entire article

Air Quality and Agriculture
Odor is the major issue locally and regionally (1). For example, over 330 different odor-causing compounds have been measured in swine manure. However, the particular compounds that are perceived as offensive are not well understood. Read entire article

Biofilters
Odor control is often a concern for swine operations, and one of the methods proven to reduce odor is the use of a biofilter. A biofilter is a bed of organic material through which odorous air is passed.  Read entire article

Odor Reduction by Ozonating Swine Waste
At the east end of the MSU Swine Research and Teaching Facility, there is a small out-building that houses equipment that can improve the offensive odor associated with applying accumulated swine waste to the nearby cropland. Read entire article

Manure - What Makes it Stink?
The problem of odors from manure on farms has been around for a long time. But in recent years there have been an increasing number of complaints about odors emanating from animal producing farms.Read entire article

Ventilation and Animal Health
Barn ventilation is often associated with animal respiratory health. But ventilation—directly and indirectly—impacts many other aspects of animal health as well. Good ventilation in the freestall area of the lactating cow barn helps to keep bedding dry, a factor in favor of good udder health. Read entire article

Developing Computer Modeling Tools To Improve Water Quality in Agricultural Watersheds
Michigan has an abundant and diverse supply of freshwater due to its unique geographical location within the Great Lakes Region. These waters provide a wealth of resources for the diverse agricultural, industrial, and recreational activities of the state. Read entire article

Impacts of Air Emissions on Michigan Communities
Potential health impacts of livestock and poultry farms on nearby residents is an issue that livestock and poultry industries have faced nationally, though the topic is dealt with primarily at the local level. Read entire article