Detection of the dynamics of odour emissions from pig farms using dynamic olfactometry and an electronic odour sensor

The dynamics of odour emissions from a pig house was investigated by olfact ometry and using an electronic odour sensor. In addition, several suggested influencing factors on the odour emission were measured to get insight int o the reasons for the fluctuation of the odour emission. Odour emission ten ded to increase over the fattening period from August to November 2000 by a factor of two to three, although temperature and air-flow rate decreased a ccording to the seasons. Feeding caused a significant temporary rise in ani mal activity, dust and odour concentration resulting in an increase of odou r emission. The sensor signals of an electronic odour sensor increased simu ltaneously and showed a good relation to the odour concentration. There is a promising potential of electronic odour sensors to detect the dynamic and the level of odour concentrations. Further investigation will be done, to ensure a standardised measuring protocol and to obtain a calibration of ele ctronic odour sensor signals direct to odour concentrations.