Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
12/09/03
Contacts:
Wendy Powers, Animal Science, (515) 294-1635, wpowers@iastate.edu
Sherry Hoyer, Iowa Pork Industry Center, (515) 294-4496, shoyer@iastate.edu
AMES, Iowa -- An Iowa State University (ISU) scientist has been awarded a
grant to investigate dietary strategies to reduce gaseous emissions from animal
feeding
operations. This four-year project grant is funded through a USDA National
Research Initiative and will begin in July 2004. Of the total award, more than
$412,000 will remain at Iowa State University to conduct the work.
Project director Wendy Powers, who also is associate professor of animal science,
said this research will begin by establishing baseline emissions of several
gaseous components from three species.
"We will look at hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, methane and volatile organic
compounds from growing swine, broiler chickens and lactating dairy cows,"she
said. "The animals will be housed in laboratory facilities constructed
specifically for this research at ISU."
After quantifying emissions based on typical industry diets for species-specific
growth or production phases, researchers will modify diets to reduce emissions
and measure emissions from animals fed these diets. As researchers identify
diet modifications that effectively reduce emissions, they will make recommendations
for producer consideration that include both the effective modifications and
the cost-benefit aspect of making those changes.
Powers said study findings also will be shared with policymakers and should
readily be incorporated into existing and future educational activities. By
providing the financial information associated with making such dietary changes,
livestock producers will be better equipped to make appropriate decisions based
on economic and environmental objectives.
Iowa State University is the lead institution in this three-state effort that
also includes the University of Maryland and the University of California,
Davis.
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