Innovative Research Targets GHG Reduction in Swine Manure Management

Dr. Rajinikanth Rajagopal, a research scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, is leading an innovative project under the Swine Cluster 4 program to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from swine manure management. The project aims to identify strategies for reducing emissions throughout the manure production chain—from production and storage to land application—by measuring baseline emissions and exploring biological mitigation solutions.

To ensure the accuracy of emissions data for Canada, the team is collecting real-time data from representative farms, as existing emission values may not reflect local conditions, particularly the effects of cold climate and different animal operations. This site-specific data will inform the development of tailored strategies to mitigate emissions.

A key focus of the project is low-temperature anaerobic digestion (LTAD) technology, a process that breaks down manure and agricultural residues at lower temperatures - operating at 20-25°C compared to traditional digesters that run at higher temperatures. This approach not only reduces energy consumption and stabilizes operation but also cuts GHG emissions, mitigates odour, and reduces harmful bacteria, making manure safer for land application.

Dr. Rajagopal stresses the potential of LTAD to turn swine manure from a waste product into a renewable resource. By first quantifying baseline methane emissions and then capturing them through AD, the technology offers promising solutions for pork producers looking to manage manure sustainably, reduce emissions, and support Canada’s climate goals.

“Through anaerobic digestion, we could achieve a 60-70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions annually. Even a 50% reduction would be equivalent to removing 1.5 million cars off the road.” — Dr. Rajinikanth Rajagopal

For more information, please see the project fact sheet by clicking here.