A Review of Work of the FAO Sub-Network 2 the Reduction of Odours in Animal Production

Sub-network 2, the reduction of odours in animal production, forms part of the consultative information network on Animal Waste Utilisation. The concept of international cooperation and the exchange of scientific information was established by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (F.A.O.) of the United Nations in 1973. There are ten european consultative information networks in operation. The Animal Waste Utilisation network is coordinated by Mr P. E. Lohm in Sweden. This network is broken down into five sub-networks which cover the effect of livestock wastes on: animal and human health, odour reduction, building and machinery design, standardisation of methods of sampling and analysis, and the effect of loading rates on soil fertility. Sub-network 2, activities over the past eight years have been to establish the exchange of information at meetings arranged at research institutes, to define research priorities for future work and to establish standard techniques of monitoring and analysis. All the sub-networks meet every three years to review progress and arrange future programmes. The objective to eventually produce an easily understood set of guidelines for farmers and provide technical advice and assistance to developing countries.