ParlorPal® for Ammonia on Commercial Goat and Sheep Farms
Complex Challenge, Easy Solution for Goat and Sheep Farms
Ammonia is an unavoidable reality on commercial goat and sheep farms with significant potential impacts on animal health, performance and welfare. ParlorPal® is an acidifier that can be used in any livestock operation to lower pH and eliminate ammonia. Safe and easy to apply, ParlorPal can be used in the bedding and on the manure to provide ammonia and odor control.
ParlorPal is Safe to Use
Lambing Pens
Kidding Pens
Footbaths
The key ingredient in ParlorPal is on the EPA Safer Choice chemical list, which means the product is safe to apply around animals – even in the lambing and kidding pens.
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Basics of Ammonia
Commercial goat and sheep farms play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for meat and other products. However, the intensive nature of these operations raises concerns about environmental and animal welfare issues, with ammonia emissions emerging as a significant factor.
Ammonia is a common byproduct of livestock farming, and its impact on animal health, welfare, and the environment requires careful consideration.
Ammonia Generation on Commercial Goat and Sheep Farms
Ammonia is predominantly generated through the decomposition of nitrogen-containing compounds in animal waste, particularly urine. The ammonia in urine primarily comes from the breakdown of proteins during the metabolic process. When goats consume protein-rich feeds, their bodies break down the proteins into amino acids. The excess amino acids are then converted to ammonia through a process called deamination, which occurs in the liver. The ammonia is subsequently transported to the kidneys, where it is excreted in the urine.
Why Does Goat Urine Have Such a Strong Ammonia Smell?
Several factors contribute to the relatively high concentration of ammonia in goat urine, particularly on goat farms:
Diet
Goats are ruminants and have a unique digestive system that allows them to efficiently break down fibrous plant material. Their diet often includes a significant amount of protein, and the digestion of this protein contributes to higher levels of ammonia in their urine.
Metabolic Rate
Goats, like many small ruminants, have a relatively high metabolic rate. This means that they process food quickly, and the metabolic byproducts, including ammonia, are excreted at a higher rate.
Concentration of Urine
Goats have a natural tendency to concentrate their urine, which helps them conserve water. This concentration leads to a higher density of ammonia in the urine.
Behavioral Factors
Goats often urinate in specific areas, such as near feeding and resting areas. When urine accumulates in these concentrated spots, the ammonia odor becomes more noticeable.
Control even the strongest ammonia smell on your sheep or goat farm with ParlorPal.
Elevated Ammonia Levels on Commercial Goat & Sheep Farms
A study by Zhang et al. (2018) highlighted that the high stocking density common in commercial goat and sheep farming results in increased urine deposition, leading to elevated ammonia levels. Additionally, the use of indoor housing systems and limited ventilation contribute to the accumulation of ammonia, creating an environment that can adversely affect both animals and the surrounding ecosystem.
Ammonia’s Impact on Goat and Sheep Health
Ammonia exposure poses significant risks to the health of goats and sheep on commercial farms. One of the primary concerns is respiratory distress. Ammonia is known to irritate the respiratory system, leading to conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia in livestock. A study by O’Connor et al. (2019) investigated the respiratory health of sheep exposed to elevated levels of ammonia. The research demonstrated a direct correlation between increased ammonia concentration and the prevalence of respiratory issues, emphasizing the need for effective management strategies to mitigate these health risks.
Furthermore, ammonia can negatively impact the reproductive performance of goats and sheep. A study conducted by Li et al. (2020) examined the reproductive outcomes of ewes exposed to varying levels of ammonia. The results indicated a decrease in conception rates and an increase in fetal resorption and abortion rates in ewes exposed to higher concentrations of ammonia. This highlights the potential long-term consequences on the reproductive success of livestock in environments with elevated ammonia levels.
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Ammonia’s Impact on Animal Welfare
The welfare of animals in commercial goat and sheep farms is intricately linked to their living conditions, and ammonia emissions play a significant role in compromising animal welfare. Ammonia-induced respiratory distress not only poses health risks but also contributes to discomfort and stress among animals. The ammonia odor itself can be aversive to goats and sheep, affecting their behavior and overall well-being.
A study by Turner et al. (2021) assessed the behavioral responses of goats to varying concentrations of atmospheric ammonia. The research revealed that goats exhibited signs of stress, such as increased vocalization and reduced feed intake, in response to elevated ammonia levels. These behavioral changes indicate that ammonia not only poses a direct physical threat to animal health but also has the potential to impact the psychological well-being of goats and sheep on commercial farms.
Ammonia and Environmental Emissions
In addition to its impact on animal health and welfare, ammonia emissions from commercial goat and sheep farms contribute to environmental pollution and can affect the ecosystem. In recent years, there has been increasing pressure from consumers and regulatory bodies to limit emissions of all types from commercial animal facilities.
A study by Smith et al. (2018) investigated the environmental consequences of ammonia emissions from livestock farming. The research highlighted the role of ammonia in atmospheric reactions that contribute to air quality issues, including the formation of fine particulate matter. These particulates can have detrimental effects on human respiratory health and are implicated in various environmental problems, such as acid deposition and eutrophication.
Furthermore, ammonia emissions can contribute to soil and water pollution. Ammonia deposition on land can lead to soil acidification and nutrient imbalances, affecting plant growth and overall soil health. Runoff from farms can transport ammonia into water bodies, leading to nutrient enrichment and potentially causing harmful algal blooms. A comprehensive understanding of these environmental consequences is crucial for sustainable farming practices and regulatory interventions.
ParlorPal® safely eliminates ammonia and removes worries about soil contamination by breaking down in to elements naturally found in the environment.
Manage Ammonia with ParlorPal
As the strongest dry mineral acid available, ParlorPal has a low addition rate which makes it an affordable solution for ammonia control. For example, a study done at the University of California, Davis, showed how effective ParlorPal can be on high ammonia rates. This study assessed the impact of ParlorPal when applied to the surface of fresh slurry on dairy farms.
ParlorPal was applied at the rates of 25, 50 or 75 lbs / 1,000 sq. ft. Emissions and pH were measured for four days. Researchers found ParlorPal significantly reduced ammonia, methanol and ethanol emissions with the most significant reduction of ammonia emissions occurring during day 1 (Table 1). It is notable that as ParlorPal application rate increased so did the level of emissions reduction. Over a 3-day average, slurry treated at the 75 lb. rate showed a 61% decrease in ammonia emissions, 56% decrease in methanol emissions and 53% decrease in ethanol emissions. The most effective reduction of methanol and ethanol emissions occurred during the first day, after which the reduction rate decreased with the increase of storage time.
Your Partners in Ammonia Control on Livestock Farms
Addressing the challenges associated with ammonia requires a multi-faceted approach, incorporating improved ventilation systems, alternative housing methods, and effective manure management practices. Sustainable farming practices and regulatory interventions are essential to balance the need for livestock production with the preservation of animal welfare and environmental integrity. By implementing evidence-based strategies, the agricultural industry can work towards mitigating the impact of ammonia on commercial goat and sheep farms, fostering a more sustainable and responsible approach to livestock farming.
Value Add: ParlorPal® for Hoof Care
In addition to application in bedding for ammonia control, ParlorPal can also be used in the footbaths at livestock facilities.
Producers use footbaths for commercial goats and sheep as a preventive measure to maintain the hoof health of the animals. Hoof health is crucial in these animals as they rely on their hooves for mobility and stability. Effective footbaths are key for:
- Disease Prevention: Footbaths are primarily used to prevent and control hoof diseases, such as foot rot and hoof scald, which can be common in goats. These diseases are often caused by bacteria, and footbaths help in reducing the microbial load on the hooves.
- Maintaining Hoof Hygiene: Goats may be exposed to wet and dirty conditions, increasing the risk of hoof problems. Footbaths help in cleaning and disinfecting the hooves, reducing the chances of infections and promoting overall hoof hygiene.
- Environmental Management: In commercial goat farming, multiple goats are often kept in the same area. This can lead to the accumulation of manure and other organic matter, creating a favorable environment for bacteria and parasites. Footbaths help mitigate these environmental challenges by reducing the microbial load on the hooves.
Footbaths are also a more cost-effective alternative to routine hoof trimming and provide an efficient way to manage and prevent common hoof issues. Plus, footbaths are easy to setup and use, and can be positioned strategically along high-traffic areas or in areas where goats or sheep congregate, making it convenient to integrate footbath treatments into the daily routine.
When using footbaths, it’s essential for farmers to choose appropriate solutions based on the specific hoof issues they want to address. ParlorPal can be added to the footbath water at a relatively low addition rate. It lowers the pH of the water and keeps it low for longer to extend footbath water use.
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