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<OL> <LI> Develop fundamental knowledge concerning the microbial populations of swine manure
and the swine intestinal tract. <LI> Apply this knowledge to understand the relationship
between microbial populations and the production of odorous compounds. <LI> Develop
improved methods to quantitate changes in bacterial populations in feces and stored
manure and correlate these with emissions/odorous compounds produced.
Approach:
Determine the identity, relative concentration, and metabolic activities of microorganisms present in stored manure. Carry out physiological, biochemical, and genetic characterization of isolated bacterial cultures; determining which organisms and processes are responsible for production of odor causing chemicals. An extension of this work will be to examine the intestinal flora of the pig and its potential impact on the properties of the manure and the concentrations of potential odor precursors. This research will be conducted using samples from representative swine farms. Evaluate potential compounds for control of specific microorganisms or the metabolic processes responsible for odors. BSL-2 and Risk Group RG1 recertified September 3, 2009.