Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reduction effect of microbially activated peat on odor generated by livestock farms. The odor gas was measured by stirring the livestock manure sample with the existing litter and the microbially activated peat (Healtha Peat) was developed by this research team. In outdoor farm experiment, the measurements were performed by comparing broilers farm using rice husks and microbially activated peat as litter. The weight, mortality, shipment date, and odor levels (NH3) were measured before and after experiment. The result showed that NH3 levels were reduced by 100% in the Healtha Peat mixed group, Healtha Peat and rice husks mixed group. In the peat mixed group, Healtha Peat and saw dust mixed group showed reduce value at 99.6% and 99.1%, respectively. However the rice husks mixed group and saw dust mixed group showed a relatively weak NH3 reduction effect with values of 57.5% and 84.8%, respectively. After 3 months, the Healtha Peat mixed group and Healtha Peat and rice husks mixed group showed the highest NH3 reduction effect persistence. In the outdoor farm experiment, NH3 was present in farms using rice husks, but not in farms using Healtha Peat. In farms using Healtha Peat, the mortality and NH3 were reduced by 75% and >90%, respectively. The average body weight increased 18% and resulted to 10% decrease in the shipping date. These results implied that microbially activated peat has a clear effect on farm NH3 reduction and affects the productivity of farm animals.
