Coexisting with breeding activities: synthesis on porcine farming to understand the environmental issues?

Abstract

Piggeries produce effluents which contribute to the degradation of water, soil and air quality. The environmental impacts of emissions from piggeries are generally known: phosphorous build-up in the soil from repeated manure applications leading to eutrophication, and emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide contributing to the greenhouse effect. However, the impact of heavy metals on the environment and health risks associated with pig manure (and their estimation) are less documented. Regardless the environmental impact, reducing pollution at its source should be considered the best approach to limit the environmental impact from pig production. Solutions to reduce emissions of pollutants are proposed: existing or under development. These measures which concern the whole livestock system can require a change in animal nutrition (reduction of nitrogen, phosphorus, heavy metals), the use of covers for slurry stores (GHG, ammonia) or biological chemical or physical treatment of effluent (nitrogen, phosphorus).