ABSTRACT
Particulate matter (PM) in and from livestock buildings consists of a complex mixture of mainly organic dust, biologically active components and microorganisms that is suspended in the livestock air with trace gases, such as ammonia. The reduction of particle concentrations and emissions should not only be restricted to appropriate measures within livestock buildings. A close look at the sources of material flows shows that particle-forming events can be identified at different locations. Additional PM enrichments occur at the interface between the arrival of bulk materials onsite and their further handling when feed or bedding materials arrive under technological influences during ongoing storage activities. The manipulation of feed can play an important role in preventing excessive dust generation in barns. Even if water application is generally effective to prevent dustiness from the feed, the materials must be dried and immediately used or they will get moldy, which is also valid for litter material.
