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This study compares three approaches in the monitoring of ammonia (NH3) emissions from intensive breeding of fattening pigs in relation to compliance with the standards arising from the requirements of Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) used in the Czech Republic. The first approach was based on the determination of NH3 emissions calculation by measurement using reduced sampling days focused on the final fattening phase. The second approach was based on the determination of NH3 emissions calculation by measurement respecting the Best Reference Document for Intensive Rearing of Poultry or Pig (BREF IRPP) and relevant best available techniques (BAT) conclusions under Directive 2010/75/EU. The third approach was based on estimation by using emission factors respecting BREF IRPP and Methodological Instruction of the Air Protection Department of the Czech Republic. The results show that the determined emission factors in the Czech Republic may not always reflect the actual production of NH3 emissions even when reduced by the applied BAT. Determination of NH3 emissions calculation by measurement respecting BREF IRPP represents the predominant phases of fattening (refinement) and microclimatic conditions; however, it is time and money-consuming.

Ammonia (NH3) emissions have a negative impact on the welfare of breeding animals, human health, and the environment. These influences of modern intensive agriculture have led to numerous protocols, national regulations, and European Directives. Following previous regulatory measures, the Commission Implementing Decision European Union (EU) 2017/302 on 15 February 2017 has established best available technique (BAT) conclusions, under Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and the Council, for the intensive rearing of poultry and pigs. This applies to intensive poultry and pig producers with a capacity of over 40,000 poultry, 750 sows, or 2000 fattening pigs. Due to the application of this directive, air emissions have been reduced by between 40% and 75% over the last 15 years. The integrated permit monitors the entire environmental burden of the farm on its surroundings (air pollution, water, soil pollution, waste production, energy use). This review aims to provide a critical overview of how member states (including the United Kingdom) are approaching the implementation of IPPC (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control) and the conclusions of BAT in their legislation and related documents, and how they monitor NH3 emissions from intensive livestock farming. The data for this review were obtained from 2019 to 2020.

The control of climatic conditions where cattle are kept is one of the challenges in the livestock sector regarding the digital automation of the process. (1) Background: The main purpose of this study is to define the optimal foundations for automatic climatic systems in organic and energy-sustainable livestock production. In particular, the following components are suggested: (a) the determination of current deviations and interdependency between factors; (b) an algorithm for defining the possible sources of regulation; (c) the ranking approach of the optimal sequence of possible sources; and (d) ensuring transparency and coordination of the model with organic and energy certificates. (2) Methods: This investigation accumulates information on the characteristics of the main microclimatic parameters and simulates their possible combinations in a livestock building in Poland within 24 h of a spring day. A few indices are considered that signal the impact on the thermal comfort of cattle based on the example of recommended measures for the Angus steer genotype. (3) Results: The proposed transparent algorithm is designed for selecting and ranking potential sources of microclimate control according to three criteria. (4) Conclusions: This paper potentially contributes to determining the most optimal digital algorithm for managing microclimate conditions to ensure acceptable comfort for animals, meeting the requirements of organic certification with minimum costs of production, and switching to sustainable types of energy with consideration of technologies’ efficiency. The algorithm is scalable and adjustable to the individual conditions of any livestock premise with a digitally controlled environment.

Determination of ammonia (NH3) emissions for intensive livestock facilities (pork, poultry) is important from both a regulatory and a research point of view. Buildings housing livestock are a large source of ammonia emissions from the agriculture sector. However, measurements to determine emissions can be time-consuming and costly. Therefore, it is essential to find a suitable methodology for monitoring NH3. The methodology for determining NH3 emissions is legislatively unified in terms of sampling methodology, including sampling time (24 h), sampling points (input/output), number of sampling days, and their distribution during the year, and to determine only a general calculation of the annual average NH3 emissions. For this reason, the researchers chose different approaches for the calculation of NH3 emissions, and these approaches are not unified. Based on accurate monitoring and created models, the authors proposed a methodology for calculation of NH3 emissions, which divides the 24 h measurement into time windows (30 min), from which the arithmetic mean and standard deviation are determined, and the total emissions for one year is determined. The chosen time windows for the partial calculation are important from the point of view of reflecting the microclimatic conditions inside the stable and the device limits for sampling the NH3 concentration and airflow.

Considering automatized and robotic milking systems substantially decreasing the contact between producers and the herd, milk analysis is crucial to maintain the quality and safety of all dairy products. These systems naturally also decrease the possibility of health problems and illness identification. Abnormalities in milk can be caused by several factors. Milk quality can be affected by external conditions, such as temperature and contamination in the feedstock; by management practices, such as hygiene, milking frequency, treatment, and feedstuff quality; and by diseases, genetics, or age. Somatic cell count, electric conductivity, and contents of urea, fat, protein, and lactose were reviewed as likely parameters of milk representing its quality with respect to feedback for consumers and breeders. Methods for evaluating milk constituents and parameters are still being developed to provide in-line information. These methods allow the avoidance of enormous economic losses every year caused by milk discard, health treatments, or cow replacements. In addition, individual and in-line milk analysis provides information in terms of nutritional status or lactation period and fertility. The objective of this study is to identify trends and potential methods focusing on in situ and in-line techniques for the analysis of milk parameters during the automatized and robotic milking process. Four methods are described and compared: near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS), optical analysis, milk conductivity analysis, and milk leukocyte differential test. The versatility and accessibility of these methods were also evaluated, showing a considerable range of possible related problems.

Precision agriculture (PA) relies on a large amount of precise data about a given area and allows that data to be used in accordance with agronomic practices. It offers farmers greater control over existing processes, from crop placement to soil conditions to chemical use. On the other hand, applying precision livestock solutions to these expanding systems is a way to bring animals closer to producers and minimize waste and costs. In Europe, precision agriculture has emerged as a new way to help farmers increase the quantity and quality of agricultural production while using fewer inputs. The spatial and temporal variability in the application of PA and the implications of site-specific application are documented in this article. The objective of this review article is to provide an overview of the application of precision agriculture in Central European countries (Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Germany, and Hungary) identified through a systematic literature review (SLR). The analyses revealed that with the rapid development of automation in agriculture, the demand for skilled workers will continue to increase and technology will continue to open up new application areas as well as the development of new AgriTech startups in the future. Currently, there are farmers in Germany and the Czech Republic who are leaders in the use of these technologies. However, the application of precision agriculture requires further research to provide more accurate information and is an area that is constantly evolving.

The aim of the first experiment was to verify the effectiveness and profitability of providing supplemental feed to piglets. The milk feed mixture of two producers (MFM-1 vs MFM-2) were evaluated (served ad libitum). All piglets were suckled and were fed with the pre-starter feed mixture from the 5th day until the weaning stage. The control group without milk supplements has shown a higher piglet mortality and worse body condition of sows. The usage of milk supplements led to the elimination of the sow body condition loss during the suckling period and reduced feed mixture consumption in sows (P