Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

S1025 committee chair, Ken Casey, called meeting to order at 8:00am on June 4, 2009. After introducing the S1025 officers USDA Reps, the project administrative advisor, and invited speakers, Ken Casey invited the administrative advisor to give the group some comments. The Administrative Advisor, Ron Lacewell commented that this project has participants from19 States. Only half of the State participants showed up at the past annual meetings. We have a great show up this year! He also informed the group that annual reports for the project are due in 60 days. Participants need to submit their state/station reports to S1025 Secretary Lingying Zhao soon. Dr. Lacewell emphasized that annual reports need to demonstrate multistate nature by including multistate activities and multistate collaborations. USDA ARS Southern administrator will review all the multistate projects. It was pointed out that Lingying will work with Ken Casey and individuals fromS1032 to generate an annual report template and will send it to the group soon. Following the administrative advisor comments, the group discussed about when and where the group wants to meet for next years annual meeting. Ted Funk indicated that S1032 decided to meet with S1025 for a joint annual meeting next year in Sacramento, CA. Some members supported this idea since they are on both committees. As follow up to Teds report, Ken Casey proposed to hold S1025 annual meeting of 2010 in conjunction with S1032. No further comments were raised and the proposed was taken as agreed by the group. Two invited speeches were given following previous group discussion. The first speech was given by Dr. Doug Overhults reporting Kentucky Poultry Energy Efficiency Project. The second speech was given by Jody Porswell discussing Broiler Housing Environment Research at USDA-ARS poultry research unit and Mississippi State University. Both presentations were well received by the group. Some interesting discussion followed after each presentation. S1025 business meeting started at 11:30am. Ken Casey announced that there will be no incoming Chair and he will stay on the chair position for another year. Lingying Zhao will be the vice chair (chair-elect). Dr. Rich Gate was elected to be the new secretary of the committee. The Administrative Advisor, Ron Lacewell informed the group this is the coming year will be the last year of this five year project. With one year extension, the project will only have another two years. The group needs to start doing more planning activities for next project. It was suggested that the group needs to form a subcommittee to work on objectives for next project. The following individuals were identified as the subcommittee members: Ken Casey, Lingying Zhao, Rich Gates, Larry Jacobson, Rich Stowell, Hongwei Xin, and Wendy Powers. Dr. Al Heber at Purdue University gave another invited speech in the afternoon updating the group about the National Air Emission Monitoring Study (NAEMS), a multi-state project by nature. Dr. Heber also discussed some post NAEMS issue in his speech. The follow-up Q&A includes what EPA would do in developing emission estimation methods after the NAEMS and what formula will come out (Dr. Hegg)?; how to integrate other data, say, USDA NRI, with NAEMS (Dr. Knighton); etc& The meeting was adjourned around 3:00 pm.

Collaboration The comprehensive and complicated air quality and emissions issues associated with animal feeding operations are a growing and nationwide concern. Multi-disciplinary and multistate collaborative approaches, which involve scientists and engineers of same institution with complementary expertise and at different institutions with same expertise, have been widely used to effectively address the concerns. NAEMS study is a very good example of the collaborative efforts. Many small scale collaborations between two or three institutions or states as shown in the following accomplishment section have also been documented to be a common and effective approach for development of air emission control technologies. Determination of air emission factors, quantification of the beneficial effects of air emission control technologies, and development of cost-effective solutions can best be accomplished by the collaborative efforts of the multi-disciplinary and multi-state professionals familiar with animal feeding operation systems. Accomplishments Specific accomplishments for the reporting period included: Objective 1 " (MN & TX), odor control is feasible provided that the aeration efficiency of the system can be further improved. Improvement include: increasing oxygen transfer efficiency by designing an aerator complex (or module) using multiple venturi air injectors. " (MN, IA, IN, TX) Odor and odorous compounds emissions continued to be collected at four NAEMS animal building (two pig and two dairy) sites using both standard human sensory (dynamic forced-choice olfactometry), conventional GC/MS, and a novel chemical analysis technique (GC/MS/O) for odorous compounds found in these emissions. Quality control measurements are taken periodically between olfactometry labs and also between GC/MS labs for the study. " (IA & MN) Ammonia (NH3) and particulate matter (PM) emissions monitoring has been completed from turkey grow-out barns in IA (Toms) and in MN (hens). Emissions of these two parameters from both of these facilities showed similar trends with increasing emissions as the birds grew plus significant emissions between groups, especially during the management of the litter. " (MN) GHG (Greenhouse Gases), methane (CH4), emissions were (from turkey emission project) and are still being monitored from the NAEMS project. At the NAEMS site, besides CH4, N2O, and possibly other hydrocarbons (HC) emissions are being monitored from these freestall dairy buildings. " (MN, IN, CA, NY, IA, NC, TX, WA) Gas (NH3 and H2S) and particulate matter (PM) emissions monitoring continued for calendar year 2008 from pig, poultry and dairy buildings as part of the National Air Emissions Monitoring Study (NAEMS). " (MN) NH3, H2S, and odor emissions were monitored from both rooms of a double wide (12 head/rm), mechanically tunnel ventilated, deep pit, pig finishing barn with one room having no pit fans (fans moved from pit to sidewall) while the other room serving as the control with the normal 4 pit fans spaced along the barn sidewall. The intent is to see if emissions (gas and odor) are similar and if indoor air quality is affected by the pit fans. " (MN) Six biofilter media (i.e., wood mulch, lava rock, cedar chips, pine bark nuggets, western pine bark and wood shreds) were evaluated and sieve analysis, porosity and unit pressure drop versus unit airflow relations were determined. Media reduction efficiency and pressure drop were measured in a biofilter media testing unit with six columns with individually controlled airflow rates and moisture control. Total reduced sulfur and ammonia (NH3) reduction efficiency was assessed. All six media were effective after inoculation with compost and swine manure. Reduction efficiency for total reduce sulfur was between 21 and 75% and between 43 to 80% for NH3. " (AR) An ammonia emission mitigation system is being developed at the University of Arkansas for boiler houses. This mitigation system would combine a water scrubber along with a biofilter. Last year, we have tested 3 different nozzles for identifying the most effective nozzle set up for ammonia scrubbing from air. We have also quantified the hydrolic residence time for various biofiler media, which will aid in designing the biofitler for specific hydrolic residence times. " (AR) Ammonia emissions from mechanically-ventilated livestock houses can be quantified by measuring whole house ventilation rates and ammonia concentrations at the air inlet and fan outlets. Flux chamber method is an alternative approach to provide point estimates of ammonia flux from interior animal rearing areas such as the litter floor of a broiler house. In this work, a side-by-side comparison between flux chamber method and simultaneous whole house measurements was conducted during two winter flocks of commercial broilers at the University of Arkansas Applied Broiler Research Farm, near Savoy, Arkansas. A dynamic flux chamber was used to measure ammonia flux rates on a weekly basis for two flocks. Composite flux rates from point measurements were compared with whole house emission measurement. " (NC, IL, TX) NCSU team has been actively working with the air quality research groups at UIUC (Yuanhui Zhangs group) and TAMU (Dr. Parnells group) for conducting a research on characterizing fate and transport of particulate matter emitted from a layer operation. TEOM-PM10 concentration was continuously monitored at four ambient sampling locations around a commercial layer farm since the Fall of 2008. The TSP sampling campaign was also conducted in the layer barns in Fall, 2008, Winter 2008-2009 and Spring and Summer 2009. The TSP sample collection was carried out through two sampling protocols. To date, 120 daytime samples and 36 nighttime TSP samples in layer barns have been collected. All the TSP samples have been analyzed for concentrations and PSD by a multi-wavelength laser diffraction particle size analyzer at NC State (in progress), a Horiba Analyzer at University of Illinois and a Coulter Multisizer at Texas A&M. PM chemical speciation sampling was also conducted in Winter 2008-2009, Spring and Summer 2009. Five speciation samplers were placed around the farm in four directions with one located inside one of the tunnel-ventilated high-rise barns. Up to date, 30 sampling events have been carried out with total of 194 PM2.5 samples for OC/EC (on quartz filters), ions (on Nylon filters) and element (on Teflon filters) analyses. The actual chemical analyses for those samples were conducted at RTI International. " (NC, IN) The NCSU team has been actively working with the air quality research groups at other seven universities for collecting baseline emissions of NH3, H2S, CO2, VOC, Pm10, PM2.5, TSP from a layer operation in NC. This effort is part of National Air Emission Monitoring Study under the EPA Air Compliance Agreement for Animal Operations (AFO) and overseen by EPA. 140 variables have been monitored on the 24/7 basis. " (NC) Based on the mechanisms related to ammonia emissions from manure and the two-film interface mass transport theory, a mechanistic emission model to estimate ammonia flux from broiler litter was developed. The model was evaluated and calibrated at laboratory scale. In the proposed model, the ammonia flux is essentially a function of litter Total Ammoniacal Nitrogen (TAN) content, moisture content, pH, temperature, the Freundlich partition coefficient Kf, the mass transfer coefficient KG, the ventilation rate Q and the emission surface area A. Kf was used as a fitting parameter in the model. A dynamic flow-through chamber system and a wind tunnel were designed respectively to measure ammonia fluxes from broiler litter. " (NC) NCSU faculty members collaborated in measurement of ammonia emissions from broiler cake stockpiles. This research was part of a larger study funded by a USDA NRI grant. Ammonia emissions were measured from a broiler cake stockpiles for 9 d in summer and 15 d in winter. Environmental variables that indicated to the presence of mechanical or natural convections were also monitored. In a 13-d lab study, relative ammonia emissions from a control stockpile were compared with tarp-covered and double-depth stockpiles. " (NC) NCSU faculty members recently concluded a 2-yr study that was used to evaluate the impacts of four levels of an acidifier, PLT® applied to broiler houses on ammonia emissions and bird performance. " (IL, TX) Project entitled Size Distribution and Its Effect on Sampling Performance of Particulate Matter in Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations aims to (1) investigate the existing sampling methods and sampler performance for particulate matter and quantify their bias when sampling PM from agricultural sources and (2) measure particle size distributions of particulate matter emitted from concentrated swine, poultry and cattle feeding operations using four state-of-the-art instrumentations: a modified DSP Aerosizer, a Coulter Multisizer, and a Malvern Mastersizer and a Horiba Analyzer. A wind tunnel was developed for sampler evaluation at UIUC and another one was modified at Texas A&M. The DSP sampling head was modified for field data collection using a high rate sheathing flow. PSD measurement using a DSP Aerosizer, a Coulter Multisizer, and a Malvern Mastersizer and a Horiba Analyzer were compared. Field data collection is 80% completed. " (IL) Project entitled Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterizations of Particulate Matter from Confinement Livestock Buildings aims to (1) investigate the physical properties of the particulate matter (PM) emitted from typical swine and poultry buildings, including particle size, shape, concentration and density; (2) study the chemical properties of PM, including element composition of typical individual particles, and element composition, organic compounds, and soluble ions of total particles; and (3) examine the biological properties of PM, including the diversity and concentration of bacterial and fungal populations, selected antibiotic resistance genes, and endotoxin associated bacteria cell envelope components. In last one and half years, our work mainly focused on developing sampling and analyses protocols, conducting field sampling and analyzing particle samples. We have: (1) determined the sites for field sampling, including 9 swine and 6 poultry buildings in the states of Illinois and Indiana; (2) met weekly to update the progress and discuss the problems encountered; (3) developed sampling protocols and platforms; (4) developed particle analyses protocols; (5) purchased relevant instruments and tools for particle sampling and analyses; (6) finished preliminary samplings in the UI South Farm; (7) conducted 26 field trips (totally 45 field trips for this project, partly shared with USDA-NRI project: 2006-35112-16671); (8) conducted physical, chemical and biological analyses, including: (a) particle concentration (TSP, PM10 and PM2.5) and particle size distribution; (b) elemental composition of particles using EDXRF and ICP-AES; (c) soluble ions using IC; (d) near infrared spectra of particles using FT-NIR; (e) volatile organic compounds using GC/MS; (9) bacterial diversity using PCR and DGGE. The results are yet incomplete but very encouraging. " (IL) A project entitled Biofilter for Swine Building Odor Removal aims to find ways to improve and predict the ammonia reductions of simple, affordable biofilters. The study is being done in stages. Work is being conducted in the BESS lab of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. First, five lab-scale biofilters with different packing materials (media) are challenged with air/ammonia mixtures. The critical loading (i.e. ammonia mass flow rate) of each biofilter will be examined after acclimation and the packing material with the highest critical loading (i.e. best long-term ammonia removal performance) will be studied further. Stage 2: Three biofilters with selected packing material will be acclimated to ammonia in the airstream, after which the inhibitory effects on NH3 removal will be studied. Common inhibitors, such as NO3-, NO2- and SO42- , will be selected to simulate conditions of a biofilter treating odorous air generated from a swine farm. The biofilter media will be sampled after acclimation, after inhibitors are added and after the ammonia removal. Bacteria in the media will be recovered separately and tested under fluorescent in situ hybridization to identify their communities. " (AL) Poultry facilities contribute ammonia emissions to the atmosphere and reduction in ammonia volatilization from poultry facilities is possible utilizing correct management techniques. It is known that high ammonia levels make birds more susceptible to respiratory diseases and methods to reduce pathogenic microorganisms and ammonia levels include changes in management practices and the utilization of litter treatments. This project will contribute to improvements in indoor air quality and reduce emissions from poultry buildings (Objective 1). " (AL) Various bedding sources such as sand, cotton gin trash, ground pallets, door filler materials, straw, hardwood sawdust, peanut hulls, and pine bark have been evaluated in comparison to pine shavings for broiler production. The products were evaluated on their ability to reduce paw burns on broiler feet and also their influence on ammonia volatilization. " (SD, MN) A BioCurtain®, which is a type of wind-break wall, was evaluated for effectiveness to reduce odor and H2S emissions from a tunnel-ventilated swine barn. " (SD, IL) Vertical Biofilter Project  A vertical biofilter was monitored which treats exhaust air from a swine research barn at the South Dakota SE Experiment Station. " (SD, MN) An Electrostatic Space Charge System was installed in a swine finishing barn. Dust concentration in the swine rearing room was compared an adjacent room without the system. " (SD) Shelterbelt Project-- Hydrogen sulfide concentration change at down-wind locations from a swine finishing barn is being investigated that results from a shelterbelt with various rows of tree. " (OH) "Develop an Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) particulate matter (PM) control system for CAFOs" is an OARDC and ASHRAE funded project for graduate research. The objectives of the study were to: (1) determine significant factors affecting ESP PM collection efficiency and the effects of operating parameters such as charger voltage, exhaust air velocity and PM concentration on the performance of a two-stage plate ESP (2) develop empirical models for predicting ESP performance; and (3) determine the optimized conditions for an effective ESP design and operation. Laboratory study on the possibility to apply ESP technology to control dust emission from poultry facilities was conducted. The study showed that ESP technology can control poultry dust effectively. However, optimization of ESP device design is needed to achieve low cost and effective ESP equipment for poultry facilities. The preliminary investigation shows the great potential of using electrostatic precipitation for capturing PM emissions. Investigation revealed that ESP performance can be affected by time of operation, PM type and PM particle size distribution. These issues must be addressed in order to develop a model that can accurately predict ESP field performance to treat the exhaust an actual poultry facility. It was also shown that another advantage of using ESP is low energy costs. The power consumption of the ESP to collect 90% of the total particles is 90 watts/m2 of ESP cross-sectional area. It was also shown that the ESP unit produced very negligible amount of ozone (<50 ppbv) at the extreme operating condition for ozone generation, which is at 10 kV and 1 m/s air flow. " (OH & MI) "Educational Collaborative on Sustainable Environmental and Agricultural Management (ECOSEAM)", was started in early 2008. It is multi-state collaboration project between OSU, Michigan State University, and Central Ohio State University. OSU has developed two of the four coursed proposed: 1) agricultural air emissions and air/water interface science and 2) animal manure management and technology. Curricula have been developed and peer reviewed. The courses had been offered in Spring of 2009. Enhancement of the course curriculum and materials are on-going. The courses will be offered in 2010 again and evaluation of the courses will be conducted. " (OH & MN) This is a joint project between the Ohio State University and University of Minnesota aimed at developing and disseminating an innovative wet scrubbing technology to recuperate ammonia (NH3) emitted from animal feeding operations (AFOs) for nitrogen fertilizer. The project was started on July 1, 2008 and is still an on-going project. Small-scale wet scrubber prototypes have been developed to critically determine the effects of design and operating parameters on ammonia (NH3) absorption under well controlled laboratory conditions. Effects of nozzle type and position, active spray volume, air retention time, liquid to gas ratio, and acid concentration of scrubbing liquid were determined and optimized. Acid concentration, air velocity, and inlet ammonia concentration were found to significantly affect NH3 collection efficiency. Nozzle performance was also directly proportional to the log of the Reynolds Number at the nozzles orifice. Preliminary lab results clearly show that wet scrubbing is a highly feasible technology that can remove up to 90% of ammonia at exhausts of animal facilities with NH3 concentrations of up to 400 ppmv at reasonable operating pressures (60-90 psig), liquid/gas ratio (0.009) and pressure drop (0.05 in H20 " (OH & IN) Characterization and Abatement of Ammonia, Particulate, Pathogen and Odor Emissions from Egg Production Facilities--The project was a collaborative effort between the Ohio State and Purdue University. Two complete monitoring systems were setup for continuous measurement at two high-rise layer hen barns in Indiana and two belt battery layer hen barns in Ohio. The two systems monitored a total of 346 measurement variables including ammonia (NH3) and particulate matter (PM) concentrations, ventilation fan operations, barn static pressure, temperature, relative humidity, weather conditions, etc. In addition, an instrument enclosure was setup to monitor NH3 concentrations and emissions from the exhaust of a manure composting facility at the Ohio sites. The objectives of the project are to: (1) test the hypothesis that belt battery barns emit less air emissions than conventional deep pit barns with replicated field tests and establish emission factors for each type; (2) quantify effects of litter composting on air emissions from egg production facilities, and (3) effectively transfer knowledge gained about air emission rates, emission factors, and mitigation efficacy information to poultry producers, researchers, regulators, and other stakeholders. The project was able to establish a comprehensive layer-barn related air quality database containing 165 million 1-min data points from continuous measurements and 64 subsets of data from discretely measured odor, bacterial, and manure samples. " (OH ) "An on-farm tool for management of nitrogen nutrient loss and NH3 emission from animal manure" is to develop a tool based on an innovative mass balance approach to predicting NH3-N emissions from livestock facilities. The innovative mass balance approach is convenient and low cost and only needs to be proven reliable, and accurate. The study has been focused on dairy and poultry layer production systems and will lead to a web-based and producer friendly decision support tool. The project is still on data collection stage. Objective 2 " (FL) A study was completed comparing the comfort of Advanced Comfort Technology Inc. waterbeds, and the waterbeds with approximately 1.5 inches of sand on top water beds, water beds with sand and with sand alone as freestall bedding. Results indicated that the freestall bedding material had a significant effect on the overall behavior, leg hygiene, and hock injuries of cows. The sand bedded freestalls had a significantly higher frequency of lying cows in the stalls (52.95%) as compared to the waterbeds which had the highest frequency of empty stalls (49.02%). The overall interaction between the cows and the freestalls of the cows using the waterbeds with 1.5 inches of sand on top resulted in no statistical difference from the sand bedded freestalls. Adding approximately 1.5 inches of sand on top of the waterbeds had no significant effect on the hock scores when compared to the waterbeds alone. The sand bedded stalls had the lowest instance of hock injuries for both trials. The waterbeds had the greatest occurrence of dirty cows; however, adding sand on top of the waterbeds resulted in the lowest hygiene scores, resulting in the cleanest cows. " (AR) Vegetative environmental buffers (or shelterbelts) strategically planted around poultry houses is a natural air filtering structure to reduce dust and gaseous emissions, while artificial windbreak wall forms a barrier to reduce wind speed and promote air pollutant dispersion. They both provide dilution effect of odor plume by creating zones of ground level mechanical turbulence. Multi-row shelterbelts (45 trees total) including Crapemyrtle, Green Giant Arborvitae, and Japanese Cedar were planted in Dec 2007 near the tunnel ventilation fans on the south side of a broiler house at Applied Broiler Research Farm in Savoy. Windbreak walls (dimension of 10 by 40) consisting of 5 panels of shade cloth material fastened to steel posts 20 feet away from another bank of tunnel fans was installed on the same farm. " (IL) A project on ventilation effectiveness is designed to provide a powerful and practical approach in quantifying the ventilation performance of animal buildings. The objectives of this project are to: (1) analyze the existing ventilation effectiveness measurement techniques or procedures for production animal facilities; (2) develop a practical method of measuring the ventilation effectiveness in animal facilities; and (3) validate the accuracy and simplicity of the method in a full-scale test room and in a swine production building. As of now, Objective 1 has been completed and a publication is being prepared. " A project entitled Development of Improved Trailer Designs for Optimum Environment To Minimize Transport Losses aims to (1) develop a computer simulation model of transport trailers for finishing pigs that predicts the environment in the various compartments of the trailer; and (2) develop recommendations for new trailer designs and management of existing trailer designs based on this model to provide the optimum environment for finishing pigs during transport across the range of weather conditions routinely experienced in the U.S. " (IL) A project entitled Airborne Pollutant Spatial Distribution, Emission and Ventilation Effectiveness for Mechanically Ventilated Livestock Buildings aims to study the spatial distribution of particles and gases, as well the emission and effectiveness of ventilation systems by conducting field and laboratory experiments and using computational fluid (CFD) dynamics simulations. Experiments in a mechanically ventilated swine building showed that the spatial distribution of particulate matter (PM) and ammonia (NH3) concentrations differ in winter and summer due to the different airflow patterns. CFD simulation showed that the magnitude of the predicted concentration were significantly higher than those of the measured concentrations primarily due to the assumption of the particle generation rate. " (AL) House construction/retrofitting and ventilation management are two critical aspects that influence and contribute to indoor air quality by removing excess ammonia, excess moisture, and excess heat from the poultry house efficiently and cost-effectively. However, house design and management considerations greatly influence energy consumption and the in-house conditions which impact bird well-being and flock performance. Research that contributes to the seasonality of ventilation management techniques and costs associated with retrofitting older houses, improved designs for new construction, and in-house environmental conditions monitoring equipment technologies will ultimately contribute to improvements in air quality, litter quality, bird health, flock performance, and profitability. " (AL) Improved technologies for cooling heat-stressed broilers and broiler breeders in hot weather employing the integrated control of ventilation and environmental control systems were developed with the intention to improve bird performance and well-being. The cooling efficiency, economic performance, and bird well being associated with the performance of poultry in tunnel ventilated housing was improved with the implementation of new and emerging technologies and improvements in engineering design and modifications. Examples of these technologies are tunnel inlet doors, recirculating evaporative cooling systems, improved sealant and insulation materials and installation techniques, higher efficiency exhaust fans, and energy-efficient lighting. " (AL) Improved technologies for heating poultry houses in cold weather were developed with the intention to improve bird performance and well-being. " (NY& VA) Our efforts focus on an outreach program that addresses environmental control systems for indoor fish production. Two short courses were conducted in 2008: Blacksburg VA in cooperation with Virginia Tech University; and Ft. Pierce, Florida sponsored by the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. This short course (3 to 4 days) was attended by 45 students (collectively) from all over the world. Course content covered: waste disposal, environmental sustainability, mass balances for water environmental control, monitoring and control systems, fish stress and health management protocols, and economic analysis. " (OH) "Advanced Sensor and Wireless Networks for Monitoring Agricultural Ventilation and Environment". A wireless sensor network for monitoring indoor environment of swine production facilities was developed and successfully applied in another muti-state USDA NRI project Thermal Risk for Salmonella in Swine. " (OH & MI) "Thermal Risk for Salmonella in Swine" is is a longitudinal evaluation of the effect of ventilation and indoor environment of swine barns on salmonella prevalence in finishing swine. A new wireless indoor environment monitoring system has been developed and successfully used for this study. Data collection on three swine barns started in the Summer of 2008 and is still going on. The study will investigate association between indoor environmental parameters and Salmonella prevalence in four swine finishing barns over a 3 year production period. " (OH) Evaluating the Effectiveness of Bedded Dairy Pack Systems for Ohio aims to evaluate indoor air quality, building design, and manure handling systems for the new dairy facilities for safe productions. Sampling protocols and measurement methods have been developed. Three seasonal field data collection have been finished. Indoor air quality, ventilation systems, and manure handling of four Ohio dairy facilities will be monitored for four seasons in 2009. Objective 3 " (AR) Evaluation of biomass-fired furnaces for space heating in poultry houses includes four commercial units that use wood pellets as the primary intended fuel and were tested for space-heating in poultry houses. These units, from small manufacturers, were capable of providing 200,000 to 400,000 btu/h as needed to perform poultry house space-heating, but the efficiency has been less than desired (40-60%). The equipment generally was lacking in heat exchanger effectiveness and exhibited very high stack temperatures (> 600 degree F). Most units did not employ any automatic adjustment of fuel/air ratios and relied on separate manual settings for combustion airflow and fuel feederate. Such manual control relies on operator intuition to optimize combustion efficiency; hence, the efficiencies achieved will be highly variable and stack gases may contain excessive concentrations of unburned combustibles. Emissions were not tested. " (AR) Energy plays a significant role in the overall cost of operating a poultry production facility. Energy costs, including electricity and fuel, comprise more than 50% of the cash expenses of the growers. A comprehensive evaluation of energy use in relation to the building characteristics, energy intensive equipments, i.e. exhaust fans, lighting and heating systems, etc. has been conducted using 17 years data collected from the Applied Broiler Research Farm. Energy efficiency measures in broiler houses have been identified that could lead to electric and fuel savings and gains of productivity benefits to the farm operations. Educational programs for poultry growers have been conducted including workshops, symposium, and farm visits. " (IL) A project entitled Thermochemical Conversion of Swine Manure to Oil aims to develop an environmentally- and economically-sound method to manage livestock manure efficiently. The research team has adapted TCC to the conversion of swine manure to crude oil. In our first stage research, we have investigated the feasibility of using the TCC process to convert swine manure into oil using a batch reactor. A systematic investigation of process parameters was conducted. Batch experiment results showed volatile solids to oil conversions of up to 70 percent and oil heating values ranging from 32,000 to 36,700 kJ/kg. In our second stage research, we have developed a continuous-mode thermochemical conversion (CTCC) process, which is more applicable for scaled-up operations. Our CTCC process, employing the use of a 2-liter continuous-stirred tank reactor, has a capacity of processing up to 48 kg of manure slurry per day. The optimal condition for oil production was determined where an oil yield of 70 percent was achieved. An energy balance incorporating the heating value of the oil and energy consumption showed that the CTCC process was a net energy producer. The composition of each of the different product streams (i.e., oil, aqueous and gas) was determined to better understand the mechanics of the reaction process and to provide information for further developments. More batch testing has been carried out to aid in the design of a farm-scale unit that could be directly integrated to an actual swine facility. Collaborations with industry partners have been established to commercialize the technology. " (OH) Development of Nano-scale Ceramic Oxide Electron Mediators for enhanced Microbial FuelCell Power Generation is an OARDC seed grant project. The objective of this project is to improve performance of microbial full cell (MFC) technology by applying new Nano technologies. Literature review on existing new nano structures that could be used to enhance the MFC performance has been conducted.

Journal Articles and Abstracts Aitchison, T.F., M.B. Timmons, J.J. Bisogni, R.H. Piedrahita, and B.J. Vinci. 2007. Using oxygen gas transfer coefficients to predict carbon dioxide removal. International Journal of Recirculating Aquaculture, 8 (June):21-41. Blake, J.P., J.B. Hess, K.S. Macklin and C.A. Wilson, 2008. Evaluation of sulfuric acid application at three levels as a litter treatment for broiler chickens. Poultry Sci. 87(1):24. Blake, J.P., J.B. Hess, K.S. Macklin, C.A. Wilson, R. N. Lehman, and S. Kocakaya, 2008. Evaluation of liquid aluminum sulfate litter treatment (A-7) at three application rates for broiler chickens. Poultry Sci. 87(1):24. Blake, J.P., J.B. Hess, K.S. Macklin and C.A. Wilson, 2008. Evaluation of acidifying litter treatments for broiler chickens. Poultry Sci. 87(1):25. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hess, K. S. Macklin, and C. A. Wilson, 2008. Effectiveness of litter treatments for reduction of ammonia volatilization. In: Book of Abstracts of the XXIII Worlds Poultry Congress, Brisbane, Australia. Worldss Poult. Sci. J. 64(Suppl. 2):137. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hess, and L. M. Stevenson, 2008. An ash supplement derived from combustion of broiler litter used as an alternative energy source. In: Book of Abstracts of the XXIII Worlds Poultry Congress, Brisbane, Australia. Worldss Poult. Sci. J. 64(Suppl. 2):373. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hess, and K. S. Macklin, 2008. Effectiveness of litter treatments for reduction of ammonia volatilization in broiler production. P. 32. In: Technology Summaries Mitigating Air Emissions from Animal Feeding Operations, Iowa State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ames, IA. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hess, and K. S. Macklin, 2008. Reduction of ammonia volatilization in broiler production. Annual Meeting for Multistate Research Project S-1025, Systems for Controlling Air Pollutant Emissions and Indoor Environments of Poultry, Swine, and Dairy Facilities. Boulder, CO. 1 p. Bilgili, S. F., J. B. Hess, J. P. Blake, K. S. Macklin, and J. L. Sibley, 2008. Alternative bedding sources for rearing broiler chickens. Poultry Sci. 87(1):159. Bucklin, R. A., D. R. Bray, J. G. Martin, L. Carlos and V. Carvalho. 2009. Environmental Temperatures in Florida Dairy Housing. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. (In press). Darr, M. J. and L.Y. Zhao. 2008. A model for predicting signal transmission performance of wireless sensors in poultry layer facilities. Trans. ASABE. 51(5): 1817-1827. Dongning Li, Yuanhui Zhang, Yigang Sun, Wei Yan. 2008. A multi-frame particle tracking algorithm robust against input noise. J. Measurement Science and Technology. 19:1-11. Hess, J. B., J. P. Blake, and R. D. Reynnells, 2008. The National Poultry Waste Management Symposium as a forum for discussion on poultry waste management issues. Poultry Sci. 87(1):127. Jacobson, L.D., Hetchler, B.P., Schmidt, D.R., Nicolai, R.E., Heber, A.J., Ni, J., Hoff, S.J., Koziel, J.A., Parker, D.B., Zhang, Y., Beasley, D.B. 2008. Quality Assured Measurements of Animal Building Emissions: Part 3 -Odor Concentrations: AWMA Journal 58: 806-811. Jacobson, Larry, Brian Hetchler, David R. Schmidt, Richard E. Nicolai, Albert J. Heber, Ji-Qin Ni, Steven J. Hoff, Jacek A. Koziel, David B. Parker, Yuanhui Zhang and David B. Beasley. 2008. Quality Assured Measurements of Animal Building Emissions: Odor Concentrations. J. Air & Waste Management Association. 58: 806-811. Keener, H. M. and L.Y. Zhao. 2008. A modified mass balance method for prediction NH3 emissions from manure N for livestock facilities. Biosystems Engineering 99(1):81-87. Lee, J. M. and Y. Zhang. 2008. Evaluation of Gas Emissions from Animal Building Dusts Using a Cylindrical Convective Chamber. J. Biosystems Engineering. 99: 403-411. Liang, Y., G.T. Tabler, S.W. Watkins, H. Xin, and I.L. Berry. 2009. Energy use analysis of open-curtain and enclosed systems at a commercial-scale broiler research farm. Trans. of ASABE (accepted). Liu, Z., L. Wang, D.B. Beasley and Sanjay Shah. 2008. Modeling ammonia emissions from broiler litter at laboratory scale. Transaction of the ASABE. In review Liu, Z., L. Wang, and D.B. Beasley. 2008. Comparison of three techniques for determining ammonia emission fluxes from broiler litter. Transactions of the ASABE. Vol. 51(5): 1783-1790. Macklin, K. S., J. P. Blake, and J. B. Hess, 2008. Litter bacterial levels associated with liquid aluminum sulfate (A-7) litter treatment. Poultry Sci. 87(1):25. Macklin, K. S., J. P. Blake, and J. B. Hess, 2008. The effect of various litter treatments on bacterial levels for two consecutive growouts. Poultry Sci. 87(1):101-102. Manuzon, R.B., and L.Y. Zhao 2009. Laboratory Evaluation and Modeling of Electrostatic Precipitation of PM Emissions from Poultry Buildings. ASHRAE Transactions, Vol. 115, Part 2. Preprint # LO-09-082. Myer, R. O., J. H. Brendemuhl, and R. A. Bucklin. 2008. Effect of season on growth performance of finishing pigs fed a low-protein, amino acid supplemented diet type. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 34(1): 1-8. Saenmahayak, B., K. S. Macklin, S. F. Bilgili, J. B. Hess, J. P. Blake, and J. L. Sibley, 2008. Microbial profile of bedding sources for rearing broiler chickens. Poultry Sci. 87(1):102. Macklin, K. S., J. P. Blake, J. B. Hess, and T. A. McCaskey, 2008. Bacterial levels associated with lime as a litter amendment. Poultry Sci. 87(1):168. Wang, Aijun, Yuanhui Zhang, Yigang Sun and Xinlei Wang. 2008. Experimental study of ventilation effectiveness and air velocity distribution in an aircraft cabin mockup. Building and Environment. 43(3): 337-343. Yan, Wei, Yuanhui Zhang, Yigang Sun and Dongning Li. 2009. Experimental and CFD Study of Unsteady Airborne Pollutant Transport within an Aircraft Cabin Mock-up. J. Building and Environment. 44(1): 34-43. Conference Presentations and Proceedings Paper Bilgili, S. F., J. B. Hess, K. S. Macklin, B. Saenmahayak, J. P. Blake, and J. L. Sibley, 2008. Bedding alternatives for broilers. In: Proceedings National Poultry Waste Management Symposium, Ames, IA. 4 pp. Blake, J. P., 2008. Managing poultry farm residues. In: Proceedings of the 8th Seminar of the Association of Veterinarian Specialists in Aviculture. Colon, Entre Rios, Argentina. 6 pp. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hess, K. S. Macklin, and C. A. Wilson, 2008. Effectiveness of litter treatments for reduction of ammonia volatilization. In: Proceedings of the XXIII Worlds Poultry Congress, Brisbane, Australia. Worldss Poult. Sci. J. 64(Suppl. 2), 4 pp. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hess, and L. M. Stevenson, 2008. An ash supplement derived from combustion of broiler litter used as an alternative energy source. In: Proceedings of the XXIII Worlds Poultry Congress, Brisbane, Australia. Worldss Poult. Sci. J. 64(Suppl. 2), 4 pp. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hess, and K. S. Macklin, 2008. Effectiveness of litter treatments for reduction of ammonia volatilization in broiler production. Pp. 64-67. In: Conference Proceedings Mitigating Air Emissions from Animal Feeding Operations, Iowa State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ames, IA. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hess, and K. S. Macklin, 2008. Effectiveness of PLT, All-clear, and hydrated lime for reduction of ammonia volatilization in broilers. In: Proceedings National Poultry Waste Management Symposium, Ames, IA. 4 pp. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hesss, and K. S. Macklin, 2008. Poultry guard, sulfuric acid, and A-7 treatments for reduction of ammonia volatilization in broiler production. In: Proceedings National Poultry Waste Management Symposium, Ames, IA. 4 pp. Boone, R. E., R. A. Bucklin and D. R. Bray. 2009.Comparison of Freestall Bedding Materials and Their Effect on Cow Behavior and Cow Health. ASABE Paper Number 09-5702. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Cao, Z., L. Wang, Z. Liu, Q. Li, and D. B. Beasley. 2009. Particle Size Distribution of Particulate Matter Emitted from a Layer Operation in Southeast U.S. ASABE Paper No. 090025. Presented at the 2009 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Annual International Meeting. June 21  June 24, 2009. Reno, Nevada. Costello, T. A. 2009. Alternate fuels for space heating poultry houses. Presented at the Atlantic Poultry Conference, Greenwich, Nova Scotia, February 20, 2009. Costello, T.A. 2009. Poultry litter: potential as a fuel for space heating. Presented at the National Poultry Waste Management Symposium, Des Moines, Iowa, October 21, 2008. Darr, M. and L.Y. Zhao. 2008. A Wireless data acquisition system for monitoring temperature variations in swine barns. In "The Eighth International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES VIII)", Paper number: PAP0755, Iguassu Falls, Brazil. St. Joseph, Mich.: ASABE. Heber, A.J., Bogan, W.W., Ni, J.-Q., Lim, T.T., Ramirez-Dorronsoro, J.C., Cortus, E.L., Diehl, C.A., Hanni, S.M., Xiao, C., Casey, K.D., Gooch, C.A., Jacobson, L.D., Koziel, J.A., Mitloehner, F.M., Ndegwa, P.M., Robarge, W.P., Wang, L., and Zhang, R. 2008. The National Air Emissions Monitoring Study: Overview of Barn Sources. Eighth International Livestock Environment Symposium. Iguassu Falls, Brazil. pp. 199-205. Aug 31  Sept 4, 2008. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI. Hess, J. B., K. S. Macklin, J. P. Blake, S. F. Bilgili, and R. A. Norton, 2008. In-house composting of broiler litter. In: Proceedings National Poultry Waste Management Symposium, Ames, IA. 4 pp. Hess, J. B., J. P. Blake, K. S. Macklin, and C. Coufal, 2008. Proceedings 2008 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium. National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee, Auburn University, AL. 112 pp. Hofer, B.J., R.E. Nicolai. 2008. Effect of Shelterbelt on H2S Emissions from Swine Barns. ASABE Section Meeting Paper No. RRV-08-502. St. Joseph, Mich. Jacobson, L.D., Hetchler, B.P., Janni, K.A., Linn, J., Heber, A.J., and E. Cortus. 2008. Animal and Environmental Performance of a Retrofitted Mechanical Cross-Ventilation System to a Naturally Ventilated Freestall Dairy Barn in the Midwestern U.S. Eighth International Livestock Environment Symposium. Iguassu Falls, Brazil. pp. 411-418. Aug 31  Sept 4, 2008. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI. Jacobson, L.D. and Heber, A.J. 2008. Update on the National Air Emissions Monitoring Study (NAEMS) Project. 69th Minnesota Nutrition Conference, Owatonna, MN. Pp 34. Sept 16, 2008. University of Minnesota Animal Science Department, St. Paul, MN 55108. Jacobson, L.D. 2008. Air Quality Issues and Perspectives. Proceedings of the 2008 Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, St. Paul, MN. Sept 20-22, 2009. pp. 131-138. Janni, K.A., Jacobson, L.D., and Hetchler, B.P. 2008. Three-Zone Model of Ammonia and Hydrogen Sulfide in a Deep-Pit Swine Finishing Barn. Eighth International Livestock Environment Symposium. Iguassu Falls, Brazil. pp. 229-235. Aug 31  Sept 4, 2008. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI. Li, H., Xin, H., Burns, R.T., Hoff, S.J., Harmon, J.D., Jacobson, L.D., and Noll, S.L. 2008. Effects of Bird Activity, Ventilation Rate and Humidity on PM10 Concentration and Emission Rate of a Turkey Barn. Eighth International Livestock Environment Symposium. Iguassu Falls, Brazil. pp. 111-116. Aug 31  Sept 4, 2008. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI. Li, H., Xin, H., Burns, R.T., Hoff, S.J., Harmon, J.D., Jacobson, L.D., and Noll, S.L. 2008. Effects of Measurement Schemes on Estimation of Ammonia and Particulate Matter Emissions from a Turkey Barn. Eighth International Livestock Environment Symposium. Iguassu Falls, Brazil. pp. 245-252. Aug 31  Sept 4, 2008. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI. Li, Q., L. Wang, Z. Liu, D. B. Beasley, and R.K.M. Jayanty. 2009. Chemical Characterization of Particulate Matter Emitted from AFOs. ASABE Paper No. 095948. Presented at the 2009 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Annual International Meeting. June 21  June 24, 2009. Reno, Nevada. Li, Q., L. Wang, Z. Liu, and D. B. Beasley. 2009. Particulate Emission from Egg Productions Facilities: Source vs. Surrounding Area. ASABE Paper No. 095949. Presented at the 2009 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Annual International Meeting. June 21  June 24, 2009. Reno, Nevada. Li, Q., L. Wang, and D. B. Beasley. 2008. Investigation of Ammonia Concentration Variations in the Vicinity of a Large Commercial Chicken Layer Farm. Presented at 2008 AWMA Symposium on Air Quality Measurement Methods and Technology. Nov. 3-6, 2008. Chapel Hill, NC. Liu, Z., L. Wang, D. B. Beasley, S. B. Shah, and P. Bloomfield. 2009. Validation and Uncertainty Analysis of an Ammonia Emission Model for Broiler Litter. ASABE Paper No. 096414. Presented at the 2009 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Annual International Meeting. June 21  June 24, 2009. Reno, Nevada. Macklin, K. S., J. P. Blake, and J. B. Hess, 2008. Effectiveness of All-clear, hydrated lime and poultry litter treatment (PLT) for reduction of litter bacterial levels. In: Proceedings National Poultry Waste Management Symposium, Ames, IA. 4 pp. Macklin, K. S., J. P. Blake, and J. B. Hess, 2008. Effectiveness of poultry guard, sulfuric acid, and All-clear-A7 for reduction of litter bacterial levels. In: Proceedings National Poultry Waste Management Symposium, Ames, IA. 4 pp. Macklin, K. S., J. P. Blake, and J. B. Hess, 2008. Direct application of acid to control ammonia and bacterial levels in litter. Pp. 213-215. In: Proceedings of the Fifty-seventh Western Poultry Disease Conference, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Manuzon R.B. and L.Y. Zhao. 2009. Are Wet Scrubbers Applicable for Controlling Ammonia and Particulate Matter Emissions from AFOs? -A Review. Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Conference and Exhibition of the Air and Waste Management Association. Paper Number 561. June 15-19, 2009, Detroit, MI. Manuzon, R.B., L.Y. Zhao, M.J. Darr, H. Li, H.M. Keener, J.-Q. Ni, and A. Heber. 2007. PM2.5 and PM10 Emissions from an Ohio Belt-Battery Layer Barn. Presented at the ASABE Annual International Meeting. Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ni, J.-Q., Heber, A. J., Darr, M. J., Lim, T. T., Diehl, C. A., and Bogan, B. (2008). Air quality monitoring and data acquisition for livestock and poultry environment studies. In "The Eighth International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES VIII)", Paper number: PAP-0626, Iguassu Falls, Brazil. St. Joseph, Mich.: ASABE. Nicolai, R.E., B.J. Hofer. 2008. Swine Finishing Barn Dust Reduction Resulting From A Electrostatic Space Discharge System. In Livestock Environment VIII: Proceedings of the 8th International Symposium, ed. Richard Stowell. Iguassu Falls, Brazil. September 1-3, 2008. Nicolai, R.E., K.J. Janni, D.R. Schmidt. 2008. Biofiltration-Mitigation Odor and Gas Emissions from Animal Operations. Des Moines, IA. May 19-21, 2008. Shunli Wang, S., L.Y. Zhao, X. Wang, R. Manuzon, M. Darr, H. Li, H. Keener, A. Heber, and J. Ni. 2009. Estimation of Ammonia Emission from Manure Belt Poultry Layer Houses Using an Alternative Mass-Balance Method. Presented at the ASABE Annual International Meeting. Reno, Nevada. Wang, L., Q. Li, Z. Liu, Z. Cao, D. B. Beasley and A. J. Heber. 2009. National Air Emission Monitoring Study: Source, Fate and Transport of Aerial Pollutants from a Layer Operation in Southeast U.S. Paper#916. Presented at 102nd A&WMA Annual Conference and Exhibition, June 16-19, Detroit, MI Wang, L. Cao, Z., Q. Li, D. B. Beasley and E.O. Oviedo-Rondón. 2008. Particle Size Distribution of Particulate Matter Emitted from a Broiler Farm: A Preliminary Study. Presented at 2008 AWMA Symposium on Air Quality Measurement Methods and Technology. Nov. 3-6, 2008. Chapel Hill, NC. Wang, L., Q. Li, R. K. Esch, O. D. Simmons, J. Classen, D. B. Beasley. 2009. Biological Characteristics of Aerosols Emitted from a Layer Operation in Southeast U.S. ASABE Paper No. 096358. Presented at the 2009 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Annual International Meeting. June 21  June 24, 2009. Reno, Nevada. Zhang, S., Cai, L., Koziel, J.A., Heathcote, K., Hoff, S.J., Caraway, E., Parker, D., Celen, I., Hetchler, B., Jacobson, L., Schmidt, D., Clanton, C., Anderson-Bereznicki, S., and Heber, A.J., 2008. Characterization and quantification of livestock odorants using sorbent tube sampling and thermal desorption coupled with multidimensional gas chromatographymass spectrometry-olfactometry (TD-MDGC-MS-O). ASAE Paper No. 085164, presented at the ASABE International Meeting held in Providence, RI, June 29 to July 2, 2008, St. Joseph, Mich. ASABE. Zhao, L. Y., Manuzon, R., Darr, M., Keener, H., Heber, A. J., and Ni, J.-Q. (2008). Ammonia emissions from a commercial poultry manure composting facility. In "The Eighth International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES VIII)", Paper number: PAP0758, Iguassu Falls, Brazil. St. Joseph, Mich.: ASABE. Zhao, F., Y. Liang, T.A. Costello, and S.G. Bajwa 2009. Comparison of Point Estimates from the Litter Floor and Whole-house Monitoring of Ammonia Emissions of Poultry Houses. ASAE meeting paper 097046. St. Joseph, Mich.: ASABE Extension Presentations, Publications and Popular Articles Bilgili, S. F., J. B. Hess, K. S. Macklin, B. Saenmahayak, J. P. Blake, and J. L. Sibley, 2008. Bedding alternatives for broilers. National Poultry Waste Management Symposium, Ames, IA. October 21-23. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hess, and K. S. Macklin, 2008. Effectiveness of litter treatments for reduction of ammonia volatilization in broiler production. Mitigating Air Emissions from Animal Feeding Operations, Des Moines, IA. May 19-21. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hess, K. S. Macklin, and C. A. Wilson, 2008. Effectiveness of litter treatments for reduction of ammonia volatilization. XXIII Worlds Poultry Congress, Brisbane, Australia. June 30-July 4. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hess, and L. M. Stevenson, 2008. An ash supplement derived from combustion of broiler litter used as an alternative energy source. XXIII Worlds Poultry Congress, Brisbane, Australia. June 30-July 4. Blake, J. P. J. B. Hess, and K. S. Macklin, 2008. Litter treatments. 36th Annual Commodity Producers Conference, ALFA Farmers, Birmingham, AL. August 9. Blake, J. P., 2008. Introduction to AFO/CAFO educational update. Equity Group, Troy, AL. February 13. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hess, and K. S. Macklin, 2008. Effectiveness of PLT, All-clear, and hydrated lime for reduction of ammonia volatilization in broilers. National Poultry Waste Management Symposium, Ames, IA. October 21-23. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hesss, and K. S. Macklin, 2008. Poultry guard, sulfuric acid, and A-7 treatments for reduction of ammonia volatilization in broiler production. National Poultry Waste Management Symposium, Ames, IA. October 21-23. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hess, and K. S. Macklin, 2008. Litter treatments to control ammonia. Auburn University Grower Seminars. Coffee County Agricultural Center, New Brocton, AL. May 15. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hess, and K. S. Macklin, 2008. Litter treatments to control ammonia. Auburn University Grower Seminars. Pike County Cattlemans Facility, Troy, AL. May 14. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hess, and K. S. Macklin, 2008. Litter treatments to control ammonia. Auburn University Grower Seminars. Moulton Recreation Center, Moulton, AL. April 30. Blake, J. P., J. B. Hess, and K. S. Macklin, 2008. Litter treatments to control ammonia. Auburn University Grower Seminars. Sand Mountain Substation, Crossville, AL. April 29. Campbell, J.C., E.H. Simpson, and J.O. Donald. Top 10 Survival Basics in Poultry Housing, ALFA Commodities Meeting, Birmingham, AL, February 2008. Campbell, J.C. and E.H. Simpson. Walling Up Options for Poultry Houses, UGA Winter Ventilation Workshop, Athens, GA October 2008. Campbell, J.C, and E.H. Simpson. Retrofitting the Building Envelope, Auburn University Poultry House Construction, Retrofitting, and Energy Conservation Short Course, Auburn, AL, November 2008. Donald, J.O. Winter Ventilation of Poultry Houses, Pilgrims Pride Service Tech Workshop, Enterprise, AL, September 2008. Donald, J.O. Poultry House Construction & Energy Conservation, Aviagen International Workshop, Huntsville, AL June 2008. Donald, J.O. Growing Chickens and Saving Money, Central AL Poultry & Egg Association Meeting, Greenville, AL, July 2008. Donald, J.O. Summer Ventilation Basics, Cagles Service Tech Seminar, Dalton, GA, June 2008. Donald, J.O. Attic Inlets for Poultry Houses, Wayne Farms Corporate Meeting, Guntersville, AL, June 2008. Donald, J.O. Ventilation Basics for Poultry Houses, Cumberland Housing Meeting, Assumption, IL, June 2008. Donald, J.O. Energy Basics in Modern Poultry Houses, Arkansas Poultry Symposium, Little Rock, AR, April 2008. Donald, J.O. Breeder House Ventilation Basics, Arkansas Poultry Symposium, Little Rock, AR April 2008. Donald, J.O. Energy Basics of Poultry Housing, Rotem Corporate Seminar, Statesville, AL, April 2008. Donald, J.O. Winter Ventilation Basics, Peco Foods Service Tech Workshop, Gordo, AL, February 2008. Donald, J.O. Alternative Fuels for Poultry Houses, UGA Winter Ventilation Workshop, Athens, GA, October 2008. Donald, J.O. Walling Up Options for Poultry Houses, UGA Winter Ventilation Workshop, Athens, GA October 2008. Donald, J.O. Saving Fuel and Energy, APEA Broiler Workshop, Auburn, AL, October 2008. Donald, J.O. Winter Ventilation Basics, Cagles Winter Service Tech Meeting, Bowden, GA, October 2008. Donald, J.O. Winter Ventilation Basics & Energy Conservation, Peco Foods Winter Refresher Meeting, Gordo, AL, October 2008. Donald, J.O. Winter Ventilation & Energy Flow in Poultry Houses, Koch Foods Service Tech Meeting, Fort Payne, AL, December 2008. Donald, J.O. Operating Poultry Houses in Winter, Jackson County ALFA Farmers Meeting, Rosalie, AL, November 2008. Donald, J.O. Energy Conservation & Winter Ventilation, Koch Foods Service Tech Seminar, Montgomery, AL, November 2008. Donald, J.O. Insulation Considerations for New Poultry Houses, Auburn University Poultry House Construction, Retrofitting, and Energy Conservation Short Course, Auburn, AL, November 2008. Donald, J.O. Electrical Systems for Poultry Houses, Auburn University Poultry House Construction, Retrofitting, and Energy Conservation Short Course, Auburn, AL, November 2008. Donald, J.O. High Density Brooding, Auburn University Poultry House Construction, Retrofitting, and Energy Conservation Short Course, Auburn, AL, November 2008. Donald, J.O. and E.H. Simpson. High Density Brooding, Auburn University Poultry House Construction, Retrofitting, and Energy Conservation Short Course, Auburn, AL, November 2008. Hess, J. B., S. F. Bilgili, J. P. Blake, K. S. Macklin, and J. L. Sibley, 2008. AU Research: Other Litter Sources. 36th Annual Commodity Producers Conference, ALFA Farmers, Birmingham, AL. August 9. Hess, J. B., K. S. Macklin, J. P. Blake, and S. F. Bilgili, 2008. Managing broiler litter: Decision making. Auburn University Grower Seminars. Coffee County Agricultural Center, New Brocton, AL. May 15. Hess, J. B., K. S. Macklin, J. P. Blake, and S. F. Bilgili, 2008. Managing broiler litter: Decision making. Auburn University Grower Seminars. Pike County Cattlemans Facility, Troy, AL. May 14. Hess, J. B., K. S. Macklin, J. P. Blake, S. F. Bilgili, and R. A. Norton, 2008. In-house composting of broiler litter. National Poultry Waste Management Symposium, Ames, IA. October 21-23. Hess, J. B., S. F. Bilgili, J. P. Blake, K. S. Macklin, and J. L. Sibley, 2008. Alternative litter sources/Litter amendments. 2008 Pennsylvania Poultry Sales and service Conference, State College, PA. September 12. Hess, J. B., K. S. Macklin, J. P. Blake, and S. F. Bilgili, 2008. Managing broiler litter: Decision making. Auburn University Grower Seminars. Moulton Recreation Center, Moulton, AL. April 30. Hess, J. B., K. S. Macklin, J. P. Blake, and S. F. Bilgili, 2008. Managing broiler litter: Decision making. Auburn University Grower Seminars. Sand Mountain Substation, Crossville, AL. April 29. Macklin, K. S., J. P. Blake, and J. B. Hess, 2008. Effectiveness of All-clear, hydrated lime and poultry litter treatment (PLT) for reduction of litter bacterial levels. National Poultry Waste Management Symposium, Ames, IA. October 21-23. Macklin, K. S., J. P. Blake, and J. B. Hess, 2008. Effectiveness of poultry guard, sulfuric acid, and All-clear-A7 for reduction of litter bacterial levels. National Poultry Waste Management Symposium, Ames, IA. October 21-23. Macklin, K. S., J. P. Blake, and J. B. Hess, 2008. Direct application of acid to control ammonia and bacterial levels in litter. Fifty-seventh Western Poultry Disease Conference, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. April 9-12. Nicolai, R.E., B.J. Hofer, K. Chirpich, 2008. Evaluation of a Bio-Curtain, Final Report. Cooperative Extension Service, South Dakota State University. Brookings, SD 57007 Simpson, E.H. Importance of Retrofitting and the Bottom Line, Auburn University Poultry House Construction, Retrofitting, and Energy Conservation Short Course, Auburn, AL, November 2008. Simpson, E.H., Poultry House Energy Saving Tips And Low Cost Energy Retrofitting, Regional Extension Agent and Grower meeting, Crossville, AL, December 2008. Simpson, E.H. Economics of Winter Ventilation & Attic Inlets, Koch Foods Grower meeting, Fort Payne, AL, November 2008. Simpson, E.H. Operating Poultry Houses Cost Effectively in Winter, Jackson County ALFA Farmers Meeting, Rosalie, AL, November 2008. Simpson, E.H. Energy Conservation & Attic Ventilation, Koch Foods Service Tech Seminar, Montgomery, AL, November 2008. Simpson, E.H. Overview of Poultry Housing in the U.S., Auburn University Poultry House Construction, Retrofitting, and Energy Conservation Short Course, Auburn, AL, November 2008. Simpson, E.H. Banking and Finance Issues, Auburn University Poultry House Construction, Retrofitting, and Energy Conservation Short Course, Auburn, AL, November 2008. Simpson, E.H. and J.O. Donald. Insulation Retrofits, Auburn University Poultry House Construction, Retrofitting, and Energy Conservation Short Course, Auburn, AL, November 2008. Simpson, E.H. and J.O. Donald. Alternative Energy Sources and Furnaces, Auburn University Poultry House Construction, Retrofitting, and Energy Conservation Short Course, Auburn, AL, November 2008. Simpson, E.H. and J.O. Donald Alternative Fuels for Poultry Houses, UGA Winter Ventilation Workshop, Athens, GA, October 2008. Simpson, E.H. and J.C. Campbell, Issues with High Density Brooding, Tyson Foods Service Tech meeting, Ft. Payne, AL, October 2008. Simpson, E.H. Saving Fuel and Energy, APEA Broiler Workshop, Auburn, AL, October 2008. Simpson, E.H. Winter Ventilation Basics, Cagles Winter Service Tech Meeting, Bowden, GA, October 2008. Simpson, E.H. Economics of Winter Ventilation Basics & Energy Conservation, Peco Foods Winter Refresher Meeting, Gordo, AL, October 2008. Simpson, E.H. Economics of Poultry House Winter Ventilation, Pilgrims Pride Service Tech Workshop, Enterprise, AL, September 2008. Simpson, E.H. Alternative Energy Systems for Poultry Houses, LATCO Seminar, Lincoln, AR, July 2008. Simpson, E.H. Use of Alternative Energy Systems on Commercial Poultry Farms, Energy Seminar, Tuskegee University, AL, July 2008. Simpson, E.H. Growing Chickens and Saving Money, Central AL Poultry & Egg Association Meeting, Greenville, AL, July 2008. Simpson, E.H. Economics of Poultry House Construction & Energy Conservation, Aviagen International Workshop, Huntsville, AL June 2008. Simpson, E.H. Summer Ventilation Economics, Cagles Service Tech Seminar, Dalton, GA, June 2008. Simpson, E.H. Attic Inlets for Poultry Houses, Wayne Farms Corporate Meeting, Guntersville, AL, June 2008. Simpson, E.H. Ventilation Economics for Poultry Houses, Cumberland Housing Meeting, Assumption, IL, June 2008. Simpson, E.H. Energy Economics of Poultry Housing, Rotem Corporate Seminar, Statesville, AL, April 2008. Simpson, E.H. Poultry House Energy Auditing, EnSave Seminar, Snead, AL, April 2008. Simpson, E.H. Energy Economics in Modern Poultry Houses, Arkansas Poultry Symposium, Little Rock, AR, April 2008. Simpson, E.H. Winter Ventilation Economics, Peco Foods Service Tech Workshop, Gordo, AL, February 2008. Handbooks, Technical Bulletins, Theses, Dissertations, and Circulars Blake, J. P., and J. B. Hess, 2008. Litter treatment methods can achieve results. Poultry Times 55(13):3, 13. Boone, R. E. 2009.: Comparison of Freestall Bedding Materials and Their Effect on Cow Behavior and Cow Health. Masters Thesis, University of Florida, Gainesville. Donald, J.O., E.H. simpson, and J. C. Campbell, Five-step Program to Prepare for Winter, Poultry Times, Division of Poultry and Egg News, Inc., October 2008. Campbell, J.C., J.L. Purswell, E.H. Simpson, and J.O. Donald, Actuated Attic Inlets  A Progress Report (technical monograph), National Poultry Technology Center, Auburn, University, July 2008. Hess, J. B., K. S. Macklin, and J. P. Blake, 2008. Using litter treatments for broilers. Alabama Poultry 3(3):24-25. Macklin, K. S., J. P. Blake, J. B. Hess, and T. A. McCaskey, 2008. Bacterial levels associated with lime as a litter amendment. World Poultry 24(4):25. Simpson, E.H., J.O. Donald, J. C. Campbell, and K.S. Macklin, Energy Auditing Your Own Poultry House, Poultry Engineering, Economics, and Management Newsletter, Number 52, March 2008. Simpson, E.H., J.O. Donald, J. C. Campbell, and J. Purswell, Attic Inlet Technology, Poultry Engineering, Economics, and Management Newsletter, Number 54, July 2008. Simpson, E.H., J.O. Donald, J. C. Campbell, and K.S. Macklin, The Economics of Converting from Propane to Natural Gas, Alabama Poultry, Alabama Poultry and Egg Association, Montgomery, AL, Vol. 3. No. 3, May/June 2008. Simpson, E.H., J.O. Donald, J. C. Campbell, and K.S. Macklin, Economics of Converting to Natural Gas, Poultry Engineering, Economics, and Management Newsletter, Number 53, May 2008. Simpson, E.H., J.O. Donald, J. C. Campbell, and K.S. Macklin, Energy Auditing Your Own Poultry House, Alabama Poultry, Alabama Poultry and Egg Association, Montgomery, AL, Vol. 3. No. 2, March/April 2008. Simpson, E.H., J.O. Donald, J. C. Campbell, and K.S. Macklin, Evaluating Costs of Tunnel Ventilation Fans, Alabama Poultry, Alabama Poultry and Egg Association, Montgomery, AL, Vol. 3. No. 1, January/February 2008. Simpson, E.H., J.O. Donald, J. C. Campbell, and K.S. Macklin, Evaluating Costs of Tunnel Ventilation Fans, Poultry Engineering, Economics, and Management Newsletter, Number 51, January 2008. Simpson, E.H., J.O. Donald, and J. C. Campbell, Attic Inlets: Issues & Concerns, Poultry Engineering, Economics, and Management Newsletter, Number 57, January 2009. Simpson, E.H., J.O. Donald, J. C. Campbell, and K.S. Macklin, Managing Built-Up Litter in Broiler Houses, Poultry Engineering, Economics, and Management Newsletter, Number 56, December 2008. Simpson, E.H., J.O. Donald, J. C. Campbell, and K.S. Macklin, Managing Built-up Litter in Broiler Houses, Alabama Poultry, Alabama Poultry and Egg Association, Montgomery, AL, Vol. 3. No. 6, Winter 2008. Simpson, E.H., J.O. Donald, J. C. Campbell, and K.S. Macklin, Five-step Program to Prepare for Winter, Poultry Times, Division of Poultry and Egg News, Inc., October 2008. Simpson, E.H., J.O. Donald, J. C. Campbell, and K.S. Macklin, Getting Ready for Winter: The Three Basic Steps, Alabama Poultry, Alabama Poultry and Egg Association, Montgomery, AL, Vol. 3. No. 5, September/October 2008. Simpson, E.H. Saving Fuel and Energy, Proceedings, Alabama Poultry and Egg Association (AP&EA) Annual Broiler Seminar, Auburn, AL, October 2008. Simpson, E.H., J.O. Donald, J. C. Campbell, and K.S. Macklin, Get Ready for Winter! The Five Step Program, Poultry Engineering, Economics, and Management Newsletter, Number 55, September 2008. Simpson, E.H., J.O. Donald, J. C. Campbell, and K.S. Macklin, The Economics of Converting to Natural Gas, Natural Gas News, Dekalb-Cherokee Counties Gas District Newsletter, Fort Payne, AL, Summer-Fall 2008. Simpson, E.H., J.O. Donald, J. C. Campbell, and K.S. Macklin, Proper Maintenance Equals Higher Profits, Poultry Times, Division of Poultry and Egg News, Inc., August 2008. Simpson, E.H., J.O. Donald, J. C. Campbell, and K.S. Macklin, Attic Inlet Technology, Alabama Poultry, Alabama Poultry and Egg Association, Montgomery, AL, Vol 3. No. 4, July/August 2008.