Ammonia emissions of the CowToilet for use in dairy barns : case-control measurements at Dairy Campus

Samenvatting

The CowToilet was included in a project looking at the effect of different techniques for separation of urine and faeces to reduce emissions of ammonia and methane from dairy housing. The CowToilet keeps part of the urine of dairy cows separated by collecting right after urination. This can lead to a reduction of the ammonia emission. Ammonia emission was measured according to the Dutch protocol for measurement of ammonia emission from housing systems in livestock production. Measurements were done in the emission units at Dairy Campus, Leeuwarden. A case-control approached was followed. The ammonia emission of the unit with the CowToilet was reduced by 35-47% compared to the control unit with a concrete slatted floor. This would lead to an emission factor of 6.9-8.5 kg NH3 per animal place per year.