Ammonia and Particulate Matter Emissions at a Korean Commercial Pig Farm and Influencing Factors

Quantifying emission factors of ammonia and particulate matter (PM) in livestock production systems is crucial for assessing and mitigating the environmental impact of animal production and for ensuring industry sustainability. This study aimed to determine emission factors of ammonia, total suspended particles (TSPs), PM10, and PM2.5 for piglets and growing-finishing pigs at a commercial pig farm in Korea. It also sought to identify factors influencing these emission factors. The research found that the emission factors measured were generally lower than those currently used in Korea, but were consistent with findings from individual research studies in the literature. Seasonal variations were observed, with ammonia emissions peaking in spring and autumn, and PM emissions rising in summer. Correlation analyses indicated that the number of animals and their average age correlated positively with both ammonia and PM emission factors. Ventilation rate was also positively correlated with PM emissions. Future extended field measurements across diverse pig farms will offer deeper insights into the emission factors of pig farms in Korea, guiding the development of sustainable livestock management practices.

Evaluation of Actual Ventilation Rates and Efficiency in Research-Scale Pig Houses Based on Ventilation Configurations

Accurate ventilation control is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive environment in research-specialized pig facilities. This study aimed to evaluate actual ventilation rates and ventilation efficiency by investigating different inlet and exhaust configurations. The research was conducted in two pig rooms, namely pig room A and pig room B, in the absence of animals and workers to focus solely on evaluating the ventilation system's performance. Actual ventilation rates were measured using hood-type anemometers, and the local air change per hour was analyzed at various measurement points via tracer gas decay experiments. The results demonstrated that specific inlet and exhaust combinations, such as side inlet/chimney outlet and ceiling inlet/side outlet, exhibited higher ventilation rates. However, the measured ventilation rates were much lower than the manufacturer's specifications. The side exhaust fan closer to the pig activity space demonstrated better ventilation effectiveness for the animals than the chimney exhaust fan. Additionally, the ceiling inlet exhibited superior air distribution and uniformity. Lower ventilation rates and higher infiltration ratios resulted in reduced ventilation efficiency, with the difference between pig and worker activity spaces being pronounced. This study emphasizes the importance of selecting optimal inlet and exhaust configurations to achieve efficient ventilation and create a healthy environment for both pigs and workers.

Use of alternative medicine by patients undergoing cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE

Complementary and alternative medicine may influence cardiac surgical care by inducing coagulopathies and interacting with perioperative medications. We evaluated the significance of complementary and alternative medicine use in an acutely ill cardiac surgical population and assessed the willingness of patients to reveal these activities to their physicians and surgeons.

METHODS

A total of 376 consecutive patients undergoing preoperative or postoperative cardiothoracic surgical evaluations at an urban academic medical center were approached to complete a survey regarding use and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine. All surveys were administered and collected between March and May 1998.

RESULTS

Completion rate was 70% (n = 263). Respondents were predominantly male (72%), white (76%), and well educated (59%). The overall rate of complementary and alternative medicine use was 75%, but excluding prayer and vitamins, which are often not considered complementary and alternative medicine therapies, the rate was 44%. There was no correlation between the use of complementary and alternative medicine and the parameters of gender, age, race, or education level. Only 17% responded that they had discussed complementary and alternative medicine with their physicians, and 48% responded that they did not want to discuss the topic at all.

CONCLUSIONS

Complementary and alternative medicine is used as frequently in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, as in the general population. Physicians and surgeons should be aware that patients have no inherent predisposition toward or against using complementary and alternative medicine, but that they are unlikely to volunteer their experience with it. The unwillingness of patients to discuss complementary and alternative medicine with physicians has serious implications for their safety, especially in acute care situations.