Effect of Bedding Materials on Concentration of Odorous Compounds and Escherichia coli in Beef Cattle Bedded Manure Packs

摘要

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of bedding material (corn stover, soybean stover, wheat straw, switchgrass, wood chips, wood shavings, corn cobs, and shredded paper) on concentration of odorous volatile organic compounds (VOC) in bedded pack material and to determine the effect of bedding material on the levels of total Escherichia coli in laboratory-scaled bedded manure packs. Four bedded packs of each bedding material were maintained for two 6-wk periods (N = 64). Straight-and branched-chained fatty acids and aromatic compounds were measured. Corn cob bedding had the highest concentration of odorous VOC, and wood shavings had the lowest (P < 0.01). Calculated odor activity values were highest for corn cob bedding and shredded paper and lowest for wood shavings (P < 0.01). Escherichia coli concentrations decreased from week to week for all treatments from Week 2 to Week 6. At Week 6, E. coli levels in bedded packs with shredded paper were higher (P < 0.05) than bedded packs containing wood shavings, wood chips, or switchgrass (P < 0.05). At Weeks 4, 5, and 6, E. coli concentrations in bedded packs with wood shavings were lower (P < 0.05) than bedded packs of all treatments except wood chips. Results of this study indicate that ground corn cobs or shredded paper may increase odor production and shredded paper may increase E. coli when used in deep-bedded livestock facilities, whereas wood shavings may have the least impact on air quality and E. coli.