Seasonal dynamics and climatic influences of greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4) and ammonia (NH3) concentrations on loose housing cattle shed

SARISHTI  KATWAL; YASHPAL  SINGH; RAVIKANT  GUPTA; R S  GREWAL

doi:10.56093/ijans.v94i7.150161

Authors

SARISHTI KATWAL Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab 141 001 India
YASHPAL SINGH Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab 141 001 India
RAVIKANT GUPTA Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab 141 001 India
R S GREWAL Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab 141 001 India

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v94i7.150161

Keywords:

Ammonia, Cattle, Climatic conditions, Methane, Seasons

Abstract

Measurement of gas concentrations is crucial for the calculation of emissions from livestock buildings. The study aimed to examine how the concentrations of greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄) and ammonia (NH₃) vary seasonally and influenced by climatic conditions in loose housing cattle sheds in India. Two dairy cow sheds with different layouts, floor types, and cleaning practices were selected for measurements during the summer, rainy, and winter seasons. The concentrations of CO₂, CH₄, and NH₃ exhibited significant variations, ranging from 405 to 717 ppm for CO₂, 0.01 to 16.12 ppm for CH₄, and 0.00 to 1.90 ppm for NH₃. The winter season showed higher levels of CO₂ and CH₄, while NH₃ concentrations were higher during the summer season. Notable differences were observed in CO₂ and CH₄ levels between sheds during feeding, as well as in CO₂ levels during cleaning activities. The study revealed a weak correlation between greenhouse gases, ammonia, and climatic conditions in the cattle sheds, except for a moderate positive correlation between CO₂ and relative humidity during winter which means other factors such as housing design, facilities and practices play a significant role.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Baldini C, Borgonovo F, Gardoni D and Guarino M. 2016. Comparison among NH3 and GHGs emissive patterns from different housing solutions of dairy farms. Atmospheric Environment 141: 60–66.

Divyalakshmi D, Kumaravelu N, Samuel B, Ronald M, Sundaram S M and Vanan T T. 2017. Assessment of microclimate and gaseous pollutants in dairy and pig sheds in an organised farm. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 87(6): 757–60.

D’Urso P R, Arcidiacono C, Valenti F and Cascone G. 2021. Assessing influence factors on daily ammonia and greenhouse gas concentrations from an open-sided cubicle barn in hot mediterranean climate. Animals 11(5): 1400.

FAO. 2020. FAOSTAT: Statistics Division. In: Food Agric. Organ. United Nations.

Joo H S, Ndegwa P M, Heber A J, Ni J Q, Bogan B W, Ramirez- Dorronsoro J C and Cortus E. 2015. Greenhouse gas emissions from naturally ventilated freestall dairy barns. Atmospheric Environment 102: 384–92.

Kaasik A and Maasikmets M. 2013. Concentrations of airborne particulate matter, ammonia and carbon dioxide in large scale uninsulated loose housing cowsheds in Estonia. Biosystems Engineering 114(3): 223–31.

Mihina Š, Sauter M, Palkovičová Z, Karandušovská I and Brouček J. 2012. Concentration of harmful gases in poultry and pig houses. Animal Science Papers and Reports 30(4): 395–406.

Ngwabie N M, Jeppsson K H, Gustafsson G and Nimmermark S. 2011. Effects of animal activity and air temperature on methane and ammonia emissions from a naturally ventilated building for dairy cows. Atmospheric Environment 45(37): 6760–768.

Ngwabie N M, Vanderzaag A, Jayasundara S and Wagner- Riddle C. 2014. Measurements of emission factors from a naturally ventilated commercial barn for dairy cows in a cold climate. Biosystems Engineering 127: 103–14.

Pu S, Rong X, Zhu J, Zeng Y, Yue J, Lim T and Long D. 2021. Short-term aerial pollutant concentrations in a Southwestern China pig-fattening house. Atmosphere 12(1):103.

Rong L, Liu D, Pedersen E F and Zhang G. 2014. Effect of climate parameters on air exchange rate and ammonia and methane emissions from a hybrid ventilated dairy cow building. Energy and Buildings 82: 632–43.

Saha C K, Ammon C, Berg W, Fiedler M, Loebsin C, Sanftleben P, Brunsch R and Amon T. 2014. Seasonal and diel variations of ammonia and methane emissions from a naturally ventilated dairy building and the associated factors influencing emissions. Science of the Total Environment 468: 53–62.

Samer M. 2016. Abatement techniques for reducing emissions from livestock buildings. Springer International Publishing.

Steinfeld H, Gerber P, Wassenaar T, Castel V, Rosales C and de Haan C. 2006. Livestock’s Long Shadow: Environmental Issues and Options. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy.

Wu W, Zhang G and Kai P. 2012. Ammonia and methane emissions from two naturally ventilated dairy cattle buildings and the influence of climatic factors on ammonia emissions. Atmospheric Environment 61: 232–43.