“Odorless pig farms, effective odor management helps protect the environment and ensure sustainable farm development. Our tests show that methods using Organic Carbon can reduce up to 80% of odor in just 5 minutes after application. This article will share proven methods to maintain an odorless pig farm and optimize operational performance”
The pig farming industry in Vietnam has grown significantly in 2023. The total pig herd reached 30.06 million, an increase of 3.33% over the previous year. However, this growth also brings great challenges, especially the problem of controlling odors from livestock waste. These odors are not only unpleasant but also emit toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and methane, which can cause health problems such as headaches and difficulty breathing.
Odor-Reducing Farm Design
Odor control on the farm starts with a reasonable layout design. The location of the farm plays the most important role, considering wind direction, distance from residential areas and the terrain of the area. Proper planning before construction can minimize odor problems and limit complaints from neighbors.
Site selection allows for natural air flow to circulate easily on the farm. The facility should be located in the direction of the prevailing wind, away from residential areas and with an appropriate buffer zone. Rural areas require different buffer zones depending on the size of the farm and the odor control method.
Floor design has a significant impact on odor formation. Research shows that open floors keep floors drier than solid concrete floors because liquids can drain into the collection system below. Drier floors reduce ammonia evaporation and limit the generation of odor-causing compounds from wet manure. The best results are achieved with floors that are one-third open and two-thirds solid.
Ventilation also plays an important role in odor control. A well-designed system will draw in fresh air and remove polluted air, toxic gases and humidity. Mechanical systems provide better control of air flow, while natural ventilation relies on wind and temperature differences. Farrowing and brooding areas operate more efficiently with mechanical systems, while finishing pens can benefit from natural ventilation.
Trees and shrubs around the farm provide many benefits. These green belts create natural barriers that slow down air flow and filter odor-carrying dust particles. Green fences can reduce odors by up to 50% if properly designed with 35-50% porosity and using at least three different types of plants.
Under-pen waste collection systems should be designed for easy draining and drainage. The channels should have a suitable slope towards the drain, and have convenient access points for regular cleaning.
Using Organic Carbon reduces 80% of total barn odor and 93% of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas
This is the most effective and safest odor treatment method today. Organic Carbon is an organic carbon material that can absorb and decompose odor-causing organic compounds. When applied to waste, it quickly reduces anaerobic decomposition, thereby preventing the generation of NH₃, H₂S and other sulfur compounds. Organic Carbon is safe for humans and animals, so it has been effectively applied to treatment in barns, where waste sources are concentrated. In particular, Organic Carbon is capable of treating up to 80% of total barn odor and 93% of hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S), helping to improve air quality in the farm.
The cost of using Organic Carbon ranges from 12,000 to 15,000 VND per pig sold.
Image of a pig farm using Organic Carbon in the barn pork
In addition, Organic Carbon also helps improve the quality of organic fertilizer and increases the efficiency of wastewater treatment, helping the farm operate more sustainably.”
Modern Waste Management Technology
Maintaining an odorless pig farm depends largely on effective waste management. Solid-liquid separation technology offers significant environmental benefits. If properly implemented, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 56% and reduce human toxicity by up to 81%. Among waste separation equipment, fixed-bed centrifuges stand out for their ability to produce dry manure with a solid content of up to 35%.
Anaerobic digestion systems convert pig manure into biogas and nutrient-rich fertilizer. This method significantly reduces odors and generates renewable energy to offset operating costs. The system requires a significant investment—approx. VND127,074 to VND304,978 per pig sold. Despite the high costs, farms report significant environmental benefits with methane emissions reductions of up to 81%.
Composting is a cost-effective option, ranging from VND5,082 to VND10,165 per pig sold. The process converts organic waste into valuable fertilizer and effectively controls odors. For best results, farmers should start composting within 10 days of waste generation, before composting.
Advanced wastewater treatment systems combine multiple processes for maximum efficiency. UASB (Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket) technology breaks down organic matter under anaerobic conditions, followed by aerobic treatment in the system Aerotank. These biological treatments reduce pollution levels enough to meet strict discharge standards.
Air cleaning technologies such as the MagixX system have shown impressive results. They can reduce fine dust by more than 90% and bring ammonia levels to negligible levels. Biofiltration pushes exhaust air through a bed of organic material and can remove 80-99% of odors.
Using these technologies helps farms maintain productivity while significantly reducing environmental impact and limiting odors from affecting surrounding communities.
Biological Solutions for Odor Control
Natural biological methods are an effective way to eliminate odors in swine production. These methods use microorganisms instead of chemicals to break down odor-causing compounds, helping to create an eco-friendly farming environment.
Probiotics are one of the effective tools for odor control. Research shows that pigs supplemented with Lactobacillus plantarum excrete significantly less ammonia after 6 weeks. These beneficial bacteria also help to reduce pH in the manure and limit the evaporation of volatile organic compounds. The more probiotics used, the greater the reduction in ammonia, making this method an economical choice for farms of all sizes.
New odor-reducing bacteria preparations are showing impressive results in waste treatment. A mixture of Bacillus zhangzhouensis, Bacillus altitudinis and Acinetobacter pittii reduced ammonia by 41.82% and hydrogen gas by 66.35%. sulfides. These bacteria convert odorous compounds into harmless substances, while also improving the quality of compost.
Biofiltration, when exhaust air passes through a layer of organic material containing bacteria, can help:
Reduce odors in farrowing pens by 78%
Reduce ammonia in pig houses by 50%
Deep bedding systems are another practical solution. Instead of cleaning pens daily, farmers can replace concrete floors with 50-60 cm of absorbent material such as rice husks, sawdust or bagasse. This system not only reduces odors, but also improves animal welfare and reduces liquid waste.
Conclusion
An odorless pig farm requires a combination of smart design smart, modern technology and biological solutions. Our research shows that these methods can reduce odor emissions by 80-95%, while significantly improving the health of workers and the surrounding community.
Farm layout plays a fundamental role, combined with ventilation systems and trees as protective barriers.
New material Organic Carbon: a highly effective solution for treating odors at the source in livestock barns, easily applied with other treatment methods.
Modern waste treatment technology requires an initial investment, but brings long-term benefits by reducing pollution and can generate renewable energy.
Biological solutions such as probiotics and odor-reducing bacteria are an economical choice for farms small.
The key to success lies in choosing the right combination of methods to optimize each farm’s size, budget, and local conditions. These proven strategies help build an efficient, profitable, and environmentally friendly livestock production model.
Most importantly? These methods help protect the health of farm workers and the surrounding community without compromising livestock productivity.
