Abstract: Agricultural barns, warehouses, and methods for construction including a floor, walls that include foam wall panels, a wainscot of impact resistant panels at a lower portion of the wall, and a ceiling formed from foam roof panels integrated into the roof truss assembly. Once the floor, walls, and ceiling are assembled, walls and ceiling can be coated over with an abrasion resistant, impact resistant polymeric coating (e.g., akin to a truck-bed liner), tying these structures together in a seamless shell that provides sufficient elasticity to accommodate typical expansion/contraction due to daily and seasonal heating/cooling, humidity changes, etc. The sealed interior envelope allows the interior surfaces to easily be pressure washed daily, or whenever else needed. Such construction is particularly well suited to an agricultural barn or warehouse, where cattle or forklifts may run into the lower portion of the walls, and pressure washing may be a daily need.

Abstract: The present invention is a composting bioreactor system that continually receives biodegradable solid wastes, waste waters and exhaust gases, automatically recycles the biodegradable wastes into nutrients and heat energy, and automatically supplies the nutrients and heat into an integrated hydroponic or aquaponic system. This invention together with integrated food growing system may be installed onsite such as balconies, backyards and premises of restaurants and food factories etc. therefore may lead to zero mileage targets both for recycling wastes and for supplying foods. This invention integrates composting process and aquaponic technology together and may establish a closed-loop recirculation of both water and gases therefore upgrades aquaponics into compoponics.

Abstract: A floor cleaning system and method for use thereof is disclosed for facilitating removal of waste materials. The system includes and the method relies upon use of a floor base, a floor covering, a substrate spacing the floor base and the artificial grass surfacing apart from one another, and at least one fluid-carrying structure. The floor base receives the waste materials. The floor covering is spaced above the floor base, and is at least in part permeable to the waste materials and in liquid communication with the floor base. The fluid-carrying structure is adapted to provide cleaning fluid to the floor base to rinse the waste materials received thereon. The cleaning fluid and waste materials flow along the floor base under the floor covering to facilitate evacuation thereof.

Abstract: A modular fire prevention flooring system includes a plurality of fire prevention flooring planks. Each plank is generally tubular and forms a drain channel. Fluids spilled onto the upper surface of the flooring system may drain through a plurality of drain holes formed in the upper surface of the planks. The planks may further include a metal filler positioned within the drain channels to stop combustion of burning fluids spilled into the drain channels. The metal filler may break up burning liquids and remove heat therefrom. In some embodiments, a purging fluid may be flowed through the planks to purge any spilled fluids therefrom.

Abstract: An enclosure for retaining animals within a closure wall. The enclosure includes a false floor panel having a multiplicity of orifices formed therethrough. The panel has a generally horizontal surface on which the animals can be supported. A subfloor includes a surface which is angled downwardly relative to the horizontal surface of the false floor. A plurality of generally vertical stem walls engage an underside of the false floor panel to support the panel.

Abstract: An at least partially open sided outdoor animal shelter structure to condition animals, when positioned within the structure, to a desired physiological state by controlling the environment in the structure, the structure including a floor to support animals, side supports, a water impervious canopy supported by the side supports, the canopy being supported above at least part of the floor, the canopy allowing at least some ambient light to pass therethrough and into the structure, and wherein there are ways in which to control the temperature and/or airflow under the canopy in a passive manner such as by a movable shade cloth, that in one condition is located intermediate of the canopy and the animals to offer shade to the animals when in the structure and in at least one other condition is retracted from being positioned to offer shade to such animals.

Abstract: A multistage livestock house system may include an outer frame, and a plurality of adjacent stages within the outer frame. Each one of the stages may be configured to hold livestock of a predetermined age range for a predetermined time interval. The system may also include a wash system disposed in each stage, wherein at least one of the stages is configured to be washed by a respective wash system after each time interval. The system may also include an effluent tank that is configured to collect effluent that is washed from each stage by the wash systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heatable floor for livestock stalls comprising a plurality of hollow, right-angled plate elements whose hollow spaces are filled with a heat transfer fluid and can be heated by means of heating lines (11) running through the hollow spaces, wherein each plate element comprises one upper shell (1) having an inlet opening (5) and forming a standing surface for the livestock and one lower shell (7) supporting the upper shell (1), the shells being connected to one another liquid-tight at their edges and having means for suspending carriers and being supported on one another by supports (6, 9) that run through the hollow space.

Abstract: A barn in which dairy animals can freely move about, lie down and eat includes a floor, a light-transmitting roof construction, and a wall construction. The floor consists for the greater part of a moisture absorbing, pourable layer which is able to collect moisture from manure and urine. This moisture is removed by means of solar heat and wind drying, and if this is not sufficient, by means of a floor heating. There is thus only required a very limited stationary sub-floor with a manure collecting device, i.e. only below the milking implement.

Abstract: A system for handling animals includes: a movable series of modules to contain the animals; a plurality of stations at a first location in a facility, at least one station to communicate with at least one module, whereby substances may be dispensed to a module from a station and/or materials may be collected from a module by a station; a first transporter for transporting the series in a first direction and to transport a module from a second location in the facility to a first position between the first and second locations; a second transporter for transporting the series in a second direction and to transport a module from the first position to a second position nearer the stations; a source of a first motive force to move modules on the first transporter; and a source of a second motive force to move modules to the second transporter.

Abstract: A multistage livestock house system may include an outer frame, and a plurality of adjacent stages within the outer frame. Each one of the stages may be configured to hold livestock of a predetermined age range for a predetermined time interval. The system may also include a wash system disposed in each stage, wherein at least one of the stages is configured to be washed by a respective wash system after each time interval. The system may also include an effluent tank that is configured to collect effluent that is washed from each stage by the wash systems.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for managing animal waste produced in an animal breeding farm. The animal breeding farm is sealed from external atmosphere. The method includes collecting the animal waste from a plurality of animals in the animal breeding farm. The animal waste is then processed for obtaining fertilizers. The processing of the animal waste includes chemical treatment, thermal treatment, and aerobic digestion of the animal waste. The method further includes utilizing the fertilizers for growing a plurality of plants in one or more aeroponic units.

Abstract: A system and method of reducing ammonia emissions. The system and method include a facility having a waste storage compartment below a floor comprised of slats with openings therebetween. A plurality of injection pipes are attached to a bottom surface of the slats. Each of the plurality of injection pipes includes a plurality of precipitation nozzles.

Abstract: A chicken or fowl grow out facility utilizes a ventilated floor assembly including a ventilated floor through which liquid and gas can flow, but which retains manure deposited thereon, and a closed bottom floor plenum underneath the ventilated floor, which includes a liquid and vapor barrier covering the ground surface. Blowers in an attic plenum can discharge warm air through hanging pleated conduit tubes into the floor plenum to provide heat through the ventilated floor. A plurality of indirect evaporative coolers and associated air blowers in the facility walls force outside air, cooled or uncooled, into the growth facility, and create higher pressure in the growth facility than the pressure in the floor plenum. Vacuum blowers associated with the floor plenum cause the flow of air and air-borne contaminates through the floor and exhaust same from the plenum to outside the facility which dries manure on the floor and reduces ammonia formation and pathogen growth.

Abstract: A chicken or poultry grow out facility utilizes a ventilated floor assembly including a ventilated floor through which liquid and gas can flow, but which retains manure and other solids deposited thereon, and a bottom air plenum underneath the ventilated floor which is vented to the poultry growth chamber. A liquid and vapor barrier sheet preferably covers the ground surface underneath the floor assembly which together insulate the high temperature of the grow-out facility from the heat sink effect of the lower temperature ground. Conventional tunnel ventilation of the chicken or poultry house through the ends of the house creates a negative pressure inside the growth chamber and air plenum relative to the outside environment. As a result of this tunnel ventilation and negative pressure, moisture in the manure evaporates into the air in the growth chamber and into the bottom air plenum to effectively dry the manure retained on the floor and reduce ammonia formation and bacteria growth.

Abstract: An improved livestock house includes a slanted floor, a funnel-shaped ditch coupled to a lower end of the slanted floor, a hole board installed at a connecting position of the slanted floor and the ditch, and a flush pipe installed at the front of the ditch. The slanted floor can make animals to excrete manure with their bottom facing downward involuntarily, and most of the animal's manures together with urines are flushed into the ditch through the hole board and the manures entering into the ditch become smaller, and the smaller manures are collected by the urines or flushed by water in the flush pipe to a lower position of the ditch and then discharged to a wastewater treatment facility. The livestock house maintains a dry environment, improves problems of fermentations and bad smells, removes stinky wastewater, and maximizes the utility to achieve the economic, power-saving and environmental protection effects.

Abstract: A cubicle barn or the like for keeping livestock, in particular for cattle, having a grooved floor. Preferably U-profile members comprised of fracture-resistant rigid plastic or metal are introduced part-way into said grooves, wherein each U-profile member has a base for transporting the manure along said base, and side walls projecting in part above said concrete, and an anti-slip covering is provided filling the space above the concrete floor and between projecting side-walls of adjacent U-shaped profiles to form with the upper edges of said side walls a planar walking surface between said grooves. The grooves are thus less liable to break over time.

Abstract: Smokehouses (20) or other similar thermal processing cabinets or houses are provided with improved floor assemblies (22) which eliminate fluid collection and provide a high degree of structural integrity. The smokehouses (20) include upright walls (24, 26) supported on the floor assemblies (22). Each floor assembly (22) has one or more weldment frame assemblies (38) including a peripheral frame assembly (46) with opposed wall receiving channel segments (52) and frame elements (54). Drainage structure such as one or more tubular drain units (44) are also preferably secured to the weldment frame assemblies (38) and are positioned to effect proper liquid drainage. Tread plates (42) are secured to the weldment frame assemblies (38). In order to construct a floor assembly (22), an appropriately sized recess (66) is formed and the weldment frame assemblies (38) and drain units (44) are installed. A monolithic pour of concrete (40) is then placed within the weldment frame assemblies (38) and allowed to cure.

Abstract: The inventive animal breeding plant comprises an animal stall area (1a-1f), means (11) for sharply flushing a cleaning fluid in said area in order to wash it and a channel which is used for recovering a mixture formed by said cleaning fluid and wastes flushed thereby and is arranged in front of said flushing means with respect to said area. The flushing means comprise at least one bucket (11) which is movably mounted between filling and flushing positions and whose shape is selected such that, when the filling level thereof with the cleaning fluid attains a predetermined threshold, the gravity center of the thus filled bucket (11) is shifted to such a point that the bucket (11) is tilted from said filling position to the flushing position in such a way that the fluid is sharply flushed in the area (1a-1f).

Abstract: A bird feeding system may include a platform that is sized and configured to catch at least a portion of the bird feed that may fall from a bird feeder. The platform may include a frame and a catching portion, which may have a permeable construction. The frame may be configured to be moved between a collapsed position for storage and an expanded position for use. Advantageously, the platform may be connected to different types and configurations of bird feeders and/or other structures using attachment members that are adjustable in length.

Abstract: A method of separating the liquid waste from solid waste produced by a farm animal in order to capture and separate environmentally undesirable components from animal waste, the method comprising providing an animal shelter structure that comprises a canopy above a floor that includes a plurality of openings to allow waste produced by animals standing on the floor to pass through the floor and into a basement below the floor, wherein the basement includes a fluid outlet to allow a draining of fluid received in the basement to pass through the opening and into a reservoir, and allowing draining of at least some of the liquid from the basement and into the reservoir prior to removing the remaining waste from the basement.

Abstract: An at least partially open sided outdoor animal shelter structure, the structure including (a) a floor to support animals, the floor including apertures therethrough allowing animal waste matter to pass through the floor, (b) a basement below the floor for collecting the waste matter, (c) floor supports to support the floor above the basement, (d) side supports, (e) a water impervious canopy supported by the side supports, the canopy being supported above at least part of the floor, the canopy allowing at least some light to pass therethrough, (f) at least one air flow control means to control airflow in the area below the canopy.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a manure conveyor device. The method includes driving a first return roller about which a manure conveyor belt circulates at a first rotational speed, and driving a second return roller about which the manure conveyor belt circulates at a second rotational speed. During a first interval the first rotational speed exceeds the second rotational speed, and during a second interval the second rotational speed exceeds the first rotational speed.

Abstract: A cover member adapted to confine gaseous emissions from animal waste in a waste collection area having a base for contacting and floating on at least a portion of a surface of the animal waste and a cover with at least one surface extending from the base. The cover member can include a buoyant frame to define a generally pyramid shape. The cover includes a layer of geotextile material and can include organic filter material with the internal volume of the cover member. A plurality of cover members can be closely aligned to cover a substantial portion of the surface of the animal waste.

Abstract: Slatted device for stable floors. The device is suitable for being installed as a separation between a waste pit and stable compartment of stabled animals. The device comprises a chassis and a movable trap door having a plurality of openings. The trap door rests on the chassis. A sliding hinge means is provided between the chassis and trap door and the trap door can be moved to a position in which the trap door extends below the chassis.

Abstract: A fluid leak capture and drainage system for ceiling leaks which includes a ceiling panel support grid and a plurality of ceiling panels mounted thereon is disclosed. The ceiling panel has at least one raised section located within the panel and a wall extending along the periphery of the panel so that a trough is formed between the raised section and the wall. The wall has a top edge and a rim extending outwardly and generally perpendicularly from the top edge of the wall and at least one opening formed through the wall. A fitting is connected to the opening and tubing is attached to the fitting for draining the trough as fluid collects therein.

Abstract: A method of treating animal manure solids comprises contacting the solids with a treatment composition comprising AlCl3.nH2O or Al(NO3)3.mH2O, or the residue of AlCl3.nH2O or Al(NO3)3.mH2O, to form a treated waste product, wherein n is from 0 to 10, and m is from 0 to 12. The treatment amount can be effective to reduce phosphorus solubility in the manure; reduce phosphorus runoff and/or phosphorus leaching from fields fertilized with manure; inhibit ammonia volatilization from the manure; flocculate solids in the manure; reduce pathogens in the manure; increase the nitrogen content in the manure; and/or reduce acid rain and PM-10s associated with the manure.

Abstract: A trash trap for liquid manure disposal systems that has a cylindrical housing with an open interior. The housing has a first end with an inlet port and an outlet port in its side wall. The cylindrical housing also has a removable cylindrical filter that has a fluid opening in its side walls and is detachably mounted along a centerline of the housing. The cylindrical filter has a diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the housing so that fluid can enter the housing through the inlet port and exit through the outlet port. Also, on the second end of the housing there is a detachable cap around an access opening.

Abstract: Improved flooring is disclosed that is formed by concrete slabs (1) with several parallel ribs (11) on the upper surface, between which there are longitudinal channels (12) connected with a main channel (2) laid transversally, in relation with one of the ends of the concrete slabs (1), and which ends in an outside connection (3). The ribs (11) have a thickened part (13) on the upper edge with an inner hole (15) for the circulation of hot water. Between the thickened parts (13) there are some grooves (15). The flooring is manufactured on site or by means of prefabricated slabs.

Abstract: An efficient economical automated animal house is provided to increase the health and longevity of animals, such as poultry, and swine. The automated poultry house provides for automatic removal of contaminated bedding and replacement with fresh or recycled bedding. The automated animal house also greatly reduces concentration of dust and noxious gases to provide for a cleaner and healthier environment for the animals and workers.

Abstract: An agricultural floor panel and system having a design for improved strength and cleaning is described. The floor panel is designed for support on at least two cross beams. The floor panel has two opposing edges, each edge having a plurality of flanges for supporting engagement on the cross beams and the plurality of flanges defining a plurality of recesses between adjacent flange. The flanges and recesses are adapted for interlocking engagement with corresponding flanges and recesses of an adjacent panel and also include a locking and spacing system for locking adjacent panels together while substantively maintaining a gap between the opposing edges of two adjacent panels.

Abstract: A demountable modular floor for watertight raised decks consisting of a plurality of modularly assemblable composite slabs made of steel sheet and concrete, provided with a drainage system for collecting and conveying the rainwater between the slabs, wherein each composite slab comprises a bottom element (1) made of corrugated metal sheet surrounded by four suitably shaped metal sections (2, 3) and filled with a concrete layer (14), as well as four segments of upwardly open gutters (6, 7) peripherally arranged around said composite slab. The structure is completed by grid elements (8) covering the gutters (6) of larger width. The floor structure allows a rapid setting up of the raised deck and, at the same time, it affords the total dismantling thereof and prevents any seepage or leakage of water towards the underlying area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the disposal of excrements of animals kept in a stable, wherein solid manure is separated from liquid manure in the stable and separately removed from the stable and separately stored and/or subjected to further processing. The new system is characterized in that the removal of solid and liquid manure and storing/further processing thereof is effected before the onset of decomposition and in that further processing of the solid manure comprises at least the following steps: surface expansion of the fresh manure and drying of the manure with a humidity content preventing decomposition. The invention also relates to a device for implementing the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for a free stall barn or the like for keeping animals, especially cattle, comprising a grooved floor configured as a concrete slab. Said grooved floor has a floor surface and said floor surface, between adjacent grooves, is provided with an elastic and anti-slip covering that reaches close to the grooves. The invention further relates to a precast concrete slab for assembling such a system wherein the precast concrete slab corresponds to the floor width and, in the longitudinal direction, is provided with adjusting elements for exactly aligning the slabs to be joined. The invention further relates to a method for keeping animals in the inventive system, according to which an organic or mineral binder is strewed across the floor of the free stall barn and the bound solid manure and liquid manure is separated when the barn is cleaned out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flushing flush lanes comprising providing a process pit to recycle flushed water; providing a solid waste separator; providing a storage lagoon; pumping a first selected volume of water from the storage lagoon and a second volume of water from the process pit through the flush lanes; collecting water flushed through the flush lanes and solid waste carried therewith in the process pit; separating solid waste from a third volume water from the process pit in said solid waste separator and returning the third volume of water less the solid waste to the storage lagoon.

Abstract: A solid and liquid separation device includes a housing provided with a heater so that liquid contained in the housing will not freeze. A filter net layer may divide the housing into an upper space and a lower space. A conveying assembly includes a plurality of connecting rods each having a scraper and a brush. The scraper may contact the filter net layer for driving solids, and the brush may remove solids attached on the filter net layer. A squeeze assembly includes a cylinder provided with a threaded rod that may be rotated to output the solids. A liquid spraying assembly includes a water pumping member for delivering water liquid through a conveying pipe to be sprayed toward the filter net layer through a plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: An animal waste management system and method thereof is disclosed. The system is designed for use in high flush waste removal systems, but obviates the need for anaerobic lagoons when coupled to an advanced waste treatment facility. The system uses a continuous recycle loop of the waste slurry to increase the total solids concentration of the waste slurry to a level required by advanced waste treatment facilities. In particular, coarse solids are separated and removed from the recycled waste slurry to prevent clogging of the system. Aeration and pH control of the waste slurry when necessary prevents deterioration of the air quality surrounding the system.

Abstract: A composting structure and process is described for a livestock operation. The structure handles manure and treats it over a continuous 25 to 30 day process to produce compost therefrom. The structure includes a elongate walled area into which manure is piled, aerated and mixed while it is moved toward an output end. The structure is sized to handle 25 to 30 days worth of manure from the livestock operation which it services. The aeration is provided by an in-floor system of tubes arranged in zones so that the amount of air injected in the various zones can be selected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for composting animal waste. A system of gutters and conveyors collect liquid manure and urine and mix it with fibrous material such as ground corn stalks, ground cotton waste, ground peanut hulls, ground hay, or sawdust. The waste and fibrous material mixture combine to form a ground fibrous waste material or mash which is preferably transported up and down the length of the building by a pair of gutter blending conveyors located in central gutters below the service alley between two rows of pens. The mash is moved along by the gutter blending conveyors at a speed sufficiently slow so that composting can occur on a continuous basis. Animal carcases may be ground up and added to the mixture as it is composting, to dispose of the bodies.

Abstract: A method of treating liquid animal manure comprising contacting a manure slurry with a treatment composition comprising a treatment effective amount of AlCl3.nH2O or Al(NO3)3.mH2O, or the residue of AlCl3.nH2O or Al(NO3)3.mH2O, to form a resulting slurry, wherein n is from 0 to 10, and m is from 0 to 12. The treatment effective amount is effective to reduce phosphorus solubility in the manure; reduce phosphorus runoff and/or phosphorus leaching from fields fertilized with manure; inhibit ammonia volatilization from the manure; flocculate solids in the manure; reduce pathogens in the manure; increase the nitrogen content in the manure; and/or reduce acid rain and PM-10s associated with the manure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a duct and ventilation system for livestock production buildings. The building comprises a plurality of containment rooms for livestock, a pit beneath the room, an attic above the rooms, a ventilation duct for each room and a ventilation house coupled to the pit. The containment rooms have slatted floors. The attic includes a vent. Each ventilation duct includes a manually actuable air flow control valve. The ventilation house includes an exhaust fan and is adapted to draw air through the vent and through the attic to one of the ventilation ducts and into one of the rooms through the slatted floor and out via the ventilation house. The building may include a manifold area adjacent the rooms and in fluid communication with the attic.

Abstract: A system and method for treating farm animal waste, such as hog and poultry waste, to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from wastewater treatment pits and thus control smell is disclosed. The farm animals are housed in structures equipped with grated flooring to permit animal waste to fall into pits or reservoirs below. The pits contain water inoculated with a special assemblage of natural microbes to which oxygen is supplied through piping arranged in the pits. These special microbes have an affinity for ammonia and convert much of the animal waste into carbon dioxide, fatty acids, and water. The system also includes a second piping network situated beneath the grated flooring which serves to create a negative air situation by which escaping foul-smelling air is pulled back into the wastewater to permit further action on the VOCs by the microbes in the water.

Abstract: Noxious odors and water pollution commonly associated with the raising of hogs, cattle or poultry under confined conditions are eliminated by replacing the conventional waste lagoon and waste spreading fields with a wastewater treatment plant. The treatment plant extracts manure from the wastewater, then dries and burns the manure along with collected waste gases. The liquid waste portion is filtered, deodorized and then recirculated to the growing buildings as flushwater.

Abstract: The one-step system of the present invention provides a highly sanitary, efficient, economical and humane method for raising pigs from birth to finished product. Farrowing and raising pigs in just one location helps to reduce virus and bacteria problems as compared with conventional methods and significantly reduces labor costs. As a result, the mature hog is healthier and also more profitable. By slowing composting fibrous material and manure on-site, the waste management system of the one-step system completely eliminates the need for offensive lagoons, and recycles the manure for end products useful in gardening and agricultural applications.

Abstract: An animal waste treatment system, particularly adapted to process the waste from a large-scale confined animal facility, has two treatment cells and a holding reservoir. Each of the treatment cells has an anaerobic zone which is two to five feet deep and an aerobic zone on top of the anaerobic zone which is at least twelve feet deep. Effluent from the facility is introduced into the anaerobic zone of the first cell; the aerobic zone of the first cell has a fluid connection to the anaerobic zone of the second cell. Residence times are preferably twenty-one days per cell. The aerobic zone is created by the injection of air with a coarse aerator. Oxygen introduced by the aeration oxidizes reduced nitrogen compounds and other volatiles; much of the nitrogen escapes as N2 to the atmosphere. A portion of the cleaned water is returned to the facility for dilution and flushing purposes. The rest of the cleaned water is used to irrigate crops.

Abstract: The invention is an animal containment device for the transportation, holding, feeding, watering, and caring for of animals. The device is designed to maintain adequate temperature, humidity, ventilation, and sanitary conditions. The device includes a ventilation device which can operate in negative, positive, or atmospheric pressure modes. The device also includes a multi-level waste and by-product removal device. The waste and by-product removal device consists of multiple slotted layers through which liquids and solids will pass. These liquids and solids will be collected on different layers upon which they can be dried and easily removed. This device eliminates odor and contamination within the device. The device allows for special handling, the ability to isolate/quarantine, and the ability to provide easy animal ingress/egress.

Abstract: A shed for animals such as cows, having an overhead rail supported from the shed's roof which supports cleaning apparatus that is capable of being moved throughout the shed to remove manure and other debris from the floor. The cleaning apparatus includes a manure suction device, motor driven rotatable brushes and a connection to cleaning or disinfecting fluid. Containers for cleaning or disinfecting fluid and to receive manure are supported on a platform underlying the rail, the rotatable brushes and manure suction device being supported by articulated robotic arms which are controlled by piston and cylinder units to move transversely relative to the overhead rail and platform. Movement of the cleaning apparatus is guided by detectors and operatively associated controls so that the shed can be selectively cleaned. A suction device extends into the shed for removing manure into a container outside the shed as needed.

Abstract: The one-step system of the present invention provides a highly sanitary, efficient, economical and humane method for raising pigs from birth to finished product. Farrowing and raising pigs in just one location helps to reduce virus and bacteria problems as compared with conventional methods and significantly reduces labor costs. As a result, the mature hog is healthier and also more profitable. By slowing composting fibrous material and manure on-site, the waste management system of the one-step system completely eliminates the need for offensive lagoons, and recycles the manure for end products useful in gardening and agricultural applications.

Abstract: Atmospheric conditions and environmental impact of swine rearing facilities re improved by adding alum (aluminum sulfate) in a swine manure processing system. In an embodiment, alum is added to flush water used to flush away manure which has temporarily collected on at least a portion of a floor of the facility, such as in a flushing trough. The flushed manure and water are drained and delivered to a holding pond. Preferably, the flush water is then recycled from the holding pond for subsequent flushing. In another method, alum is added to a manure slurry in a manure collection pit disposed under a slatted floor on which the swine reside. In either method, alum is added in an amount sufficient to substantially inhibit ammonia volatilization and to decrease soluble phosphorus present to provide a healthy and environmentally safe swine rearing facility and an improved agricultural fertilizer.

Abstract: Atmospheric growing conditions in high-rise animal rearing facilities are proved by spraying liquid alum periodically over the manure collection area. Improved high rise animal rearing facilities provided with a liquid alum treatment delivery system for misting or spraying the liquid alum over the manure collection area to strip ammonia gas from the air and to apply a chemical coating on a surface of the accumulated manure which reduces or prevents ammonia volatilization. The liquid chemical treatment comprises an aqueous alum solution containing 1 to about 50% by weight alum, applied at a rate of about 50-250 g of Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3. 14H.sub.2 O per kg of manure as it accumulates. The improved rearing facilities and methods control the atmospheric conditions in the animal rearing area at less than or equal to about 25 ppm ammonia throughout the growing cycle.