ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the sources and the basic mechanisms of airborne pollutant formation, which is additionally underlined by the basic characteristics of a selection of gases and odor in livestock operations. Ammonia, with its colorless, sharp and intensely irritating properties, is the most dominant and harmful gas in livestock buildings, and it is generated by the degradation of urea and uric acid, which are excreted by mammals and poultry, respectively. Livestock-related greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide contribute to climate change, whereas their toxicological potential is negligible. Air exchanges in mechanically and naturally ventilated animal buildings are used to create an appropriate microclimate for livestock operations during yearly production cycles with varying outdoor temperature and moisture conditions. Reduction methods for gases affect odor. Therefore, the mitigation options described for odorous gases, such as Ammonia and Hydrogen Sulfide, also have consequences for odor.
