Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Poultry Production Introduction The applicability of specific technical recommendations should be based on the professional opinion of qualified and The Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines are experienced persons. technical reference documents with general and industry- specific examples of Good International Industry Practice When host country regulations differ from the levels and (GIIP) 1. When one or more members of the World Bank Group measures presented in the EHS Guidelines, projects are are involved in a project, these EHS Guidelines are applied as expected to achieve whichever is more stringent. If less required by their respective policies and standards. These stringent levels or measures than those provided in these EHS industry sector EHS guidelines are designed to be used Guidelines are appropriate, in view of specific project together with the General EHS Guidelines document, which circumstances, a full and detailed justification for any proposed provides guidance to users on common EHS issues potentially alternatives is needed as part of the site-specific environmental applicable to all industry sectors. For complex projects, use of assessment. This justification should demonstrate that the multiple industry-sector guidelines may be necessary. A choice for any alternate performance levels is protective of complete list of industry-sector guidelines can be found at: human health and the environment www.ifc.org/ifcext/enviro.nsf/Content/EnvironmentalGuidelines Applicability The EHS Guidelines contain the performance levels and measures that are generally considered to be achievable in new The EHS Guidelines for Poultry Production include information facilities by existing technology at reasonable costs. Application relevant to intensive poultry (including ducks and turkeys) of the EHS Guidelines to existing facilities may involve the production. For guidance on animal welfare, see the IFC Good establishment of site-specific targets, with an appropriate Practice Note “Animal Welfare in Livestock Operations.”2 timetable for achieving them. The applicability of the EHS Annex A contains a detailed description of industry activities for Guidelines should be tailored to the hazards and risks this sector. This document is organized according to the established for each project on the basis of the results of an following sections: environmental assessment in which site-specific variables, such as host country context, assimilative capacity of the Section 1.0 — Industry-Specific Impacts and Management Section 2.0 — Performance Indicators and Monitoring environment, and other project factors, are taken into account. Section 3.0 — References and Additional Sources Annex A — General Description of Industry Activities 1 Defined as the exercise of professional skill, diligence, prudence and foresight that would be reasonably expected from skilled and experienced professionals engaged in the same type of undertaking under the same or similar 2 http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/enviro.nsf/Content/Publications_GoodPractice. circumstances globally. The circumstances that skilled and experienced Additional sources for animal welfare guidance include the Farm Animal Welfare professionals may find when evaluating the range of pollution prevention and Council available at www.fawc.org.uk and the European Commission. 2003. control techniques available to a project may include, but are not limited to, Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control. Reference Document on Best varying levels of environmental degradation and environmental assimilative AvailableTechniques for Intensive Rearing of Poultry and Pigs. capacity as well as varying levels of financial and technical feasibility. http://eippcb.jrc.es/pages/FActivities.htm APRIL 30, 2007 1 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP 1.0 Industry-Specific Impacts Poultry feed primarily consists of corn and soy, although other grains, pulses, root crops, and substances of animal origin (e.g. and Management fish meal, meat and bone meal, and milk products) may also be The following section provides a summary of EHS issues added. The feed is typically supplemented with amino acids, associated with poultry production, which occur during the enzymes, vitamins, mineral supplements, and may contain operational phase, along with recommendations for their hormones antibiotics, and heavy metals (such as the commonly management. Recommendations for the management of EHS used arsenic compound roxarsone (3-nitro-4- issues common to most large projects during the construction hydroxyphenylarsonic acid)), Birds are generally maintained in and decommissioning phases are provided in the General EHS an enclosed house, although some are moved to open ranges. Guidelines . Housed birds are generally fed from manual or mechanical feeders, either continuously or at set intervals. Feed can 1.1 Environment become unusable waste material if spilled during storage, Environmental issues in poultry production projects primarily loading, and unloading or during animal feeding. Waste feed, include the following: including additives, may contribute to contamination of storm water runoff, primarily due to its organic matter content. • Waste management • Wastewater Recommended measures to maximize the efficiency of the • Air emissions operation and minimize wasted feed include the following: • Hazardous materials • Protect feed from exposure to rain and wind during • Animal diseases processing, storage, transport and feeding. • Maintain feed storage , transport and feeding systems in Waste Management good working condition; Solid waste generated during poultry production includes waste • Maintain records of livestock feed use; feed, animal waste, carcasses, and sediments and sludge from • Consider mixing of waste feed with other recyclable on-site wastewater treatment facilities (which may contain materials destined for use as fertilizer; and residual amounts of growth enhancers and antibiotics, among • For waste feed which can not be recycled due to potential other hazardous constituents). Other wastes include various biosecurity issues, alternative disposal methods should be kinds of packaging (e.g. for feed and pesticides), used secured in consultation with local health authorities. ventilation filters, unused / spoilt medications, and used cleaning materials. In addition to the following sector specific guidance, Animal Waste wastes should be managed and disposed of according to the Poultry production operations generate significant quantities of guidance for hazardous and non-hazardous waste provided in animal waste, mainly manure, but also including other materials the General EHS Guidelines . such as bedding. Management of animal waste depends primarily on the type of operation, which may primarily consist of Waste Feed dry or wet cage system or litter. Animal waste management APRIL 30, 2007 2 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP includes collection, transport, storage, treatment, utilization and exceed the nutrient uptake by vegetation and should disposal of the waste. Manure is sometimes composted, but can include record-keeping of nutrient management practices6; also be stored in stacking sheds, roofed storage areas, outside • Match feed content to the specific nutritional requirements and either covered or uncovered, or occasionally in ponds until it of the birds in their different production / growth stages; is ready for transport to a disposal site or land application area. • Use low-protein diets, supplemented with amino acids-; Manure is generally used as a fertilizer on agricultural land. • Use low-phosphorus diets with highly digestible inorganic phosphates (e.g. for poultry, a total phosphorus reduction Manure contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and other excreted of 0.05 to 0.1 percent [0.5 to 1 g/kg of feed] can be substances such as hormones, antibiotics, and heavy metals achieved);7 which are part of the feed. These substances may result in air • Use quality, uncontaminated feed materials (e.g. where emissions of ammonia and other gases and may pose a concentrations of pesticides and dioxins are known and do potential risk of contamination to surface or groundwater not exceed acceptable levels) that contain no more copper, resources through leaching and runoff. Manure also contains zinc, and other additives than is necessary for animal bacteria and pathogens which may also potentially affect soil, health;8 water, and food resources, particularly if it is not properly • Ensure production and manure storage facilities are con- managed during application as an agricultural fertilizer.3 structed to prevent manure contamination of surface water Manure may be used as a fertilizer on agricultural land after and ground water (e.g. use of concrete floors, use of roof careful assessment of potential impacts due to the presence of gutters on buildings to collect and divert clean storm water, hazardous chemical and biological constituents. The results of and covering manure storage areas with a fixed roof or the assessment may indicate the need for some level of plastic sheeting);9 treatment and preparation prior to its application as a fertilizer as • Keep waste as dry as possible by scraping wastes instead well as the application rates.4 of or in addition to flushing with water to remove waste, minimize amount of water used during cleaning (for The following management measures are recommended to example, by using high-pressure, low-flow nozzles); minimize the amount of manure produced, to facilitate handling • Use hot water or steam in cleaning activities instead of cold of animal wastes, and to minimize migration of contaminants to water, as this can reduce the amount of water used by 50 surface water, groundwater, and air5: percent; • Implement a Comprehensive Nutrition Management Plan, including a nutrient mass balance for the entire farm. The plan should ensure that manure application does not 6 A source for good practice includes Roy et al. (2006) Plant Nutrition for Food Security, A Guide for Integrated Nutrient Management, FAO, available at 3 Avian influenza HPAI virus may be spread through all excretions, particularly ftp://ftp.fao.org/agl/agll/docs/fpnb16.pdf manure, and since the virus is hardy, able to last for months under favorable 7 EC (2003) cool moist conditions, and indefinitely in freezing conditions, its destruction 8 Further information regarding animal feed is available from the FAO Animal requires enclosed treatment of the manure at relatively high temperature (above Production and Health Division, available at 60 degrees C). http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/home/en/home.html 4 Additional information on the application of crop nutrients is provided in the 9 Further information regarding manure storage is available from the Livestock Annual Crops and Plantation Crops EHS Guidelines. and Poultry Environmental Stewardship Curriculum, at 5 Further information on manure management is available in EC (2003) http://www.lpes.org/Lessons/Lesson21/21_2_sizing_storage.pdf APRIL 30, 2007 3 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP • Further reduce the moisture content of dry poultry excreta • Build a reserve slurry storage lagoon; (e.g. by blowing dry air over it or by conveying ventilation • Transport liquid effluent in sealed tankers; air through the manure pits), • Manage sludge and sediments from wastewater treatment • Minimize the surface area of manure in storage; systems as part of the solid waste stream and according to • Locate manure piles away from water bodies, floodplains, the principles applied manure and other solid wastes with wellheads or other sensitive habitats; special consideration of potentially harmful constituents. • Check for leakage regularly (e.g. inspect tanks for corrosion of seams, especially those near ground level, Poultry Carcasses and empty tanks at least annually or as necessary)); • Use double valves on outlets from liquid tanks to minimize Poultry carcasses should be properly and quickly managed as the risk of unintentional release; they are a significant source of disease and odors, and can attract vectors. • Place dry manure or litter in a covered or roofed area; • Conduct manure spread only as part of a comprehensive Recommended measures for the management and disposal of nutrient and waste management plan that takes into poultry carcasses include the following12: account the potentially harmful constituents of this waste including potential phyto-toxicity levels, potential • Reduce mortalities through proper animal care and disease concentration of hazardous substances in soils and prevention;13 vegetation, as well as nutrient limits and groundwater • Collect carcasses on a regular basis to prevent pollutant limits.10 If possible, land spread manure directly putrefaction; after batch cleaning (most ammonia is emitted during the • Compost only disease-free carcasses and ensure that the manure’s first month of storage) and only during periods composting process is managed to prevent leachate and that are appropriate for its use as plant nutrient (generally odors (e.g. sufficient cover material, proper temperature just before start of the growing season). ; and moisture content); • Manure storage facilities should have sufficient capacity for • Use reliable commercially available options approved by 9–12 months of manure production to so that manure can local authorities that dispose of carcasses by rendering or be applied to agricultural land at appropriate times; • Design, construct, operate, and maintain waste 12 Detailed guidance on poultry carcass disposal is available in Carcass Disposal: A Comprehensive Review, Kansas State University (2004) available at management and storage facilities to contain all manure, http://fss.k-state.edu/research/books/carcassdisp.html; Guidelines for Killing of Animals for Disease Control Purposes, World Organization for Animal Health litter, and process wastewater including runoff and direct (2006) Available at: http://www.oie.int/eng/normes/mcode/en_chapitre_3.7.6.htm ; Guidance Note on precipitation11; the Disposal of Animal By-Products and Catering Waste, UK Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (2001) available at • Remove liquids and sludge from lagoons as necessary to http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/by-prods/publicat/dispguide.pdf; Various documents provided by the Animal Health Australia, available at prevent overtopping; http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/aahc/index.cfm?E9711767-B85D- D391-45FC-CDBC07BD1CD4#ops 13 Information on animal health and disease prevention is available from Animal 10 Additional information on the application of crop nutrients, see is provided in Health Australia, at http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/aahc/index.cfm?E9711767-B85D- the IFC Annual Crops EHS Guideline and Plantation Crops EHS Guidelines, and D391-45FC-CDBC07BD1CD4#ops and from the United States Department of in Roy et al (2006). Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Inspection Service, available at 11 Typically designed for 100-year flood event. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/index.shtml and in EC (2003). APRIL 30, 2007 4 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP incineration, depending on the cause of fatality. addition, the following management techniques are Incineration should only be conducted in permitted facilities recommended to further reduce the impacts of water runoff from operating under international recognized standards for poultry operations. pollution prevention and control;14 • Where no authorized collection of carcasses is available, • Reduce water use and spills from animal watering by preventing overflow of watering devices and using on-site burial may be one of the only viable alternatives, if calibrated, well-maintained self-watering devices; allowed by the authorities. Whether on-site or off-site, the burial area should be accessible to earthmoving machinery • Install vegetative filters to trap sediment; and be designed and located so as to avoid contamination • Install surface water diversions to direct clean runoff by vapors or leachate from buried, decaying carcasses; around areas containing waste; Open burning should be avoided.15 • Implement buffer zones to surface water bodies, as appropriate to local conditions and requirements, and Wastewater avoiding land spreading of manure within these areas.17 Industrial Process Wastewater Poultry operations may generate effluents from various sources Process Wastewater Treatment including runoff from poultry housing, feeding, and watering; Techniques for treating industrial process wastewater in this from waste storage and management facilities. Waste sector include sedimentation for suspended solids reduction management activities such as land application of manure, may using clarifiers or settling ponds; flow and load equalization; generated non-point source effluents due to runoff. Both types biological treatment for reduction of soluble organic matter of effluents have the potential to contaminate surface water and (BOD); biological nutrient removal for reduction in nitrogen and groundwater with nutrients, ammonia, sediment, pesticides, phosphorus; chlorination of effluent when disinfection is pathogens, and feed additives, such as heavy metals, required; dewatering of residuals and composting or land hormones, and antibiotics.16 Effluents from poultry operations application of wastewater treatment residuals of acceptable typically have a high content of organic material and quality. Additional engineering controls may be required (i) if consequently a high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and pass through of active ingredients (residual amounts of growth chemical oxygen demand (COD), as well as nutrients and enhancers and antibiotics, among other hazardous constituents) suspended solids (TSS). is an issue, and (ii) to contain and neutralize nuisance odors. Effective waste management, as described above, is critical to Management of industrial wastewater and examples of minimizing discharges to surface water and ground water. In treatment approaches are discussed in the General EHS Guidelines. Through use of these technologies and good 14 Examples of key environmental issues associated with incinerations facilities are available in the EHS Guidelines for Waste Management Facilities. practice techniques for wastewater management, facilities 15 Many countries forbid burial of carcasses. More information on the treatment should meet the Guideline Values for wastewater discharge as of dead animals can be found in the Waste and By-products section of the EHS Guidelines for Poultry Processing. 16 Forty percent of antibiotics manufactured are fed to livestock as growth 17 U.S. EPA, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit enhancers. Kelly Reynolds, Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water Supplies, Water Regulation and Effluent Limitation Guidelines and Standards for Concentrated Conditioning and Purification Magazine, June 2003: Volume 45, Number 6. Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), 68 FR 7175-7274. http://www.wcponline.com/column.cfm?T=T&ID=2199. http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-WATER/2003/February/Day-12/w3074.htm APRIL 30, 2007 5 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP indicated in the relevant table of Section 2 of this industry sector Recommended measures to reduce impacts of ammonia and document. odors18 include the following: Other Wastewater Streams & Water Consumption • Consider the siting of new facilities taking into account distances to neighbors and the propagation of odors; Guidance on the management of non-contaminated wastewater • Control the temperature, humidity, and other environmental from utility operations, non-contaminated stormwater, and factors of manure storage to reduce emissions; sanitary sewage is provided in the General EHS Guidelines. • Consider composting of manure to reduce odor emissions; Contaminated streams should be routed to the treatment system • Reduce emissions and odors during land application for industrial process wastewater. Recommendations to reduce activities by applying a few centimeters below the soil water consumption, especially where it may be a limited natural surface and by selecting favorable weather conditions (e.g. resource, are provided in the General EHS Guidelines. wind blowing away from inhabited areas); Air Emissions • If necessary, apply chemicals (e.g. urinase inhibitors) Air emissions from poultry production include primarily ammonia weekly to reduce conversion of nitrogen to ammonia;19 (e.g. management of animal waste), odors (e.g. animal housing and waste management), and dust (e.g. feed storage, loading Dust and unloading, and waste management activities). Effective Dust can reduce visibility, cause respiratory problems, and waste management, as described above, is critical to minimizing facilitate transport of odors and diseases. Measures emissions of air pollutants. In addition, the management recommended to minimize dust generation include the following. techniques discussed below are recommended to further reduce the impacts of air emissions from poultry operations. • Install dust collection systems (including use of misters) in areas with dusty operations (e.g. feed grinding); Ammonia and Odors • Implement fugitive dust-control measures (e.g. wetting vehicle parking lots and frequently traveled dirt roads, as Ammonia gas and other sources of odor are generated primarily necessary); during denitrification of manure and can be released directly into • Ensure the prevention of bioaerosols emissions, which may the atmosphere at any stage of the manure handling process, contain disease-causing agents, through the application of including through ventilation of buildings and manure storage the above-reference dust and emissions control measures areas. Ammonia gas levels also may be affected by the in manure production and storage facilities. ambient temperature, ventilation rate, humidity, stocking rate, litter quality, and feed composition (crude protein). Ammonia gas (NH3) has a sharp and pungent odor and can act as an Hazardous Materials irritant when present in elevated concentrations. Ammonia gas Hazardous materials are used throughout the poultry production deposition into surface waters may contribute to their cycle (e.g. disinfecting agents, antibiotic and hormonal euthrophication. Release of ammonia gas also reduces the nitrogen content and, therefore, the fertilizer value of the 18 Additional detail is available in EC (2003). 19 Use of Urease Inhibitors to Control Nitrogen Loss From Livestock Waste, manure. U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1997. APRIL 30, 2007 6 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP products). Guidance on the handling, storage, and transport of approaches in the mammalian livestock industry include the hazardous materials is provided in the General EHS following: Guidelines . • Maintain structures to keep out pests (e.g. plug holes, seal Use of Pesticides gaps around doors and windows); • Use mechanical controls (e.g. traps, barriers, light, and Pesticides may be applied directly to birds or to structures (e.g. sound) to kill, relocate, or repel pests; barns and housing units) and to control pests (e.g. parasites and • Use predators to control pests. Protect natural enemies of vectors) using dipping vats, sprayers, and foggers. Pesticides pests by providing a favorable habitat (e.g. bushes for can also be used to control predators. The potential pollutants nesting sites and other indigenous vegetation) that can from pesticides include the active and inert ingredients, diluents, house pest predators; and persistent degradation products. Pesticides and their • Use good housekeeping practices in barns and other degradation products may enter groundwater and surface water facilities to limit food sources and habitat for pests; in solution, in emulsion, or bound to soil particles. Pesticides may, in some instances, impair the uses of surface waters and • Improve drainage and reduce standing water to control mosquito populations; groundwater. Some pesticides are suspected or known to cause chronic or acute health hazards for humans as well as adverse • Consider covering manure piles with geotextiles (which ecological impacts. allow water to enter the pile and maintain composting activity) to reduce fly populations; By reducing pesticide use, poultry production operators may • If pesticides are used, identify in the IPM plan the need for reduce not only the environmental impacts of their operations, the pesticide and evaluate their effectiveness, as well as but also production costs. Pesticides should be managed to potential environmental impacts, to ensure that the avoid their migration into off-site land or water environments by pesticide with the least adverse impact is selected (e.g. establishing their use as part of an Integrated Pest Management nonleachable pesticides). (IPM) strategy and as documented in a Pesticide Management Plan (PMP). The following stages should be considered when Good Management Practices designing and implementing an IPM strategy, giving preference If the application of pesticides is warranted, spill prevention and to alternative pest management strategies, with the use of control measures consistent with the recommendations synthetic chemical pesticides as a last option. applicable to pesticides and other potential hazardous materials as noted in the General EHS Guideline should be followed. Integrated Pest Management IPM uses an understanding of the life cycle of pests and their In addition, the following actions specific to poultry production interaction with the environment in combination with available should be taken to reduce environmental impacts: pest control methods to keep pests at a level that is within the • Train personnel to apply pesticides according to planned economically damaging threshold with a minimum of adverse procedures, while using the necessary protective clothing. environmental and human health impacts. Recommended IPM APRIL 30, 2007 7 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP Where feasible or required, pesticide application personnel • Select application technologies and practices designed to should be certified for this purpose;20 reduce unintentional drift or runoff, only as indicated in an • Review the manufacturer’s instructions on the maximum IPM program, and under controlled conditions; recommended dosage and treatment, as well as published • Maintain and calibrate pesticide application equipment in experiences on the reduced rate of pesticide applications accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations; without loss of effect, and apply the minimum effective • Store pesticides in their original packaging, and in a dose; dedicated location that can be locked and properly • Avoid the use of pesticides that fall under the World Health identified with signs, with access limited to authorized Organization Recommended Classification of Pesticides by persons. No human or animal food should be stored in this Hazard Classes 1a and 1b. location; • Avoid the use of pesticides that fall under the World Health • Mixing and transfer of pesticides should be undertaken by Organization Recommended Classification of Pesticides by trained personnel in ventilated and well lit areas, using Hazard Class II if the project host country lacks restrictions containers designed and dedicated for this purpose. on distribution and use of these chemicals, or if they are • Used pesticide containers should not be used for any other likely to be accessible to personnel without proper training, purpose (e.g. drinking water) and should be managed as a equipment, and facilities to handle, store, apply, and hazardous waste as described in the General EHS dispose of these products properly; Guidelines . Disposal of containers contaminated with • Avoid the use of pesticides listed in annexes A and B of the pesticides also should be done in a manner consistent with Stockholm Convention, except under the conditions noted FAO guidelines and with manufacturer's directions;22 in the convention;21 • Purchase and store no more pesticide than needed and • Use only pesticides that are manufactured under license rotate stock using a “first-in, first-out” principle so that and registered and approved by the appropriate authority pesticides do not become obsolete. Additionally, the use of and in accordance with Food and Agriculture obsolete pesticides should be avoided under all Organization’s (FAO’s) International Code of Conduct on circumstances;23 A management plan that includes the Distribution and Use of Pesticides; measures for the containment, storage and ultimate • Use only pesticides that are labeled in accordance with destruction of all obsolete stocks should be prepared in international standards and norms, such as the FAO’s accordance to guidelines by FAO and consistent with Revised Guidelines for Good Labeling Practice for country commitments under the Stockholm, Rotterdam and Pesticides; Basel Conventions. • Implement groundwater supply wellhead setbacks for pesticide application and storage 20 For example, tThe US EPA classifies pesticides as either “unclassified” or • Maintain records of pesticide use and effectiveness. “restricted.” All workers that apply unclassified pesticides must be trained according to the Worker Protection Standard (40 CFR Part 170) for Agricultural Pesticides. Restricted pesticides must be applied by or in the presence of a certified pesticide applicator. For more information, see http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/worker.htm. 22 See FAO Guidelines for the Disposal of Waste Pesticides and Pesticide 21 The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2001), controls Containers on the farm. the use of the following POPs-pesticides: Aldrin, Chlordane, DDT, Dieldrin, 23 See the FAO publication on pesticide storage and stock control manual. FAO Endrin, Heptachlor, Hexachlorobenzene, Mirex, and Toxaphene. Pesticide Disposal Series No. 3 (1996). APRIL 30, 2007 8 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP Animal Diseases housing zones, providing protective clothing to personnel, Animal disease-causing agents can spread rapidly, especially in and closing holes in buildings to keep out wild animals); intensive livestock operations. Animal diseases can enter a • Prevent the interaction of wild birds with feed, as this facility with new animals, on equipment, and on people. Some interaction could be a factor in the spread of avian diseases can weaken or kill large numbers of animals at an influenza from sparrows, crows, etc. infected facility. Both poultry manure and carcasses contain • Vehicles that go from farm to farm (e.g. transport of pathogenic organisms which can infect humans, for example veterinarians, farm suppliers, buyers, etc.) should be viruses such as Avian Influenza (strain HN51), and parasites subject to special precautions such as limiting their such as parasitical worms. operation to special areas with biosecurity measures, spraying of tires and treating parking areas with In some cases, the only remedy available to an operation is to disinfectants; sacrifice an entire group of animals to prevent the spread of the • Sanitize bird housing areas; disease to other parts of the facility or to other facilities. The • Establish a detailed animal health program supported by procedures to protect against the spread of animal diseases will the necessary veterinary and laboratory capability. Identify depend on the type of animal at a facility, the way the diseases and segregate sick birds24 and develop management of concern spread to and infect animals, and the vulnerability of procedures for adequate removal and disposal of dead the animals to each specific disease. birds).25 • Where possible establish all in- all out systems with only The key to developing adequate disease-prevention procedures one age group per farm; is to find accurate information about animal diseases and how to • Workers on multiple age bird farms should always work prevent them. Some of the recommended general types of with the youngest birds first before moving on to the older management methods to reduce the potential for the spread of animal pathogens include the following: birds; • Train workers in the application of animal health products. Recommended management measures to minimize the potential for the spread of poultry pathogens include: • Establish sound biosecurity protocols for the entire poultry operation that control animals, feed, equipment, and per- 24 Information on animal health and disease prevention is available from Animal sonnel, entering the facility (for example, quarantine peri- Health Australia, at http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/aahc/index.cfm?E9711767-B85D- ods for new animals, washing and disinfecting equipment, D391-45FC-CDBC07BD1CD4#ops and from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Inspection Service, available at showering and protective clothing and footwear for person- http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/index.shtml 25 For further information on culling and disposal of carcasses, in addition to nel, and keeping out stray animals, rodents and birds); animal health issues, see Carcass Disposal: A Comprehensive Review, Kansas State University (2004) available at http://fss.k- • Control farm animals, equipment, personnel, and wild or state.edu/research/books/carcassdisp.html; Guidance Note on the Disposal of domestic animals entering the facility (e.g. quarantine Animal By-Products and Catering Waste, UK Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (2001) available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/by- periods for new animals, washing and disinfecting crates, prods/publicat/dispguide.pdf; and various documents provided by the Animal Health Australia, available at disinfection and coverage of shoes before entry into bird http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/aahc/index.cfm?E9711767-B85D- D391-45FC-CDBC07BD1CD4#ops APRIL 30, 2007 9 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP 1.2 Occupational Health and Safety should be subject to permitted supervision by properly trained persons as described in the General EHS Guidelines. Occupational Health and Safety hazards related to the daily operations of the poultry sector can be grouped into five Chemical Hazards categories: Potentially hazardous substances used in poultry production activities may include pesticides, disinfecting agents, minerals, • Physical hazards antibiotic and hormonal products. Potential exposures to pesti- • Confined spaces cides should be managed according to the recommendations • Exposure to chemical hazards provided above (Hazardous Materials Management section). • Exposure to organic dust Additionally, all potential chemical exposures should be • Exposure to biological agents prevented and controlled according to applicable guidance presented in the General EHS Guideline . Exposure to Physical Hazards Workers in poultry production facilities may become exposed to Exposure to pesticides a series of physical hazards related to equipment and vehicle operation and repair, trip and fall hazards, and lifting heavy Potential exposures to pesticides include dermal contact and weights, which are common to other industries. Physical inhalation during their preparation and application as well as hazards should be prevented and controlled according to ingestion due to consumption of contaminated water. The effect applicable guidance presented in the General EHS Guideline . of such impacts may be increased by climatic conditions, such as wind, which may increase the chance of unintended drift, or Additional recommendations applicable to poultry production high temperatures, which may be a deterrent to the use of include: personal protective equipment (PPE) by the operator. • Prevention of falls into openings for water supply systems, Recommended management practices include the following: underground manure storage tanks, and other confined spaces through installation of covers, fences, and other fall • Train personnel to apply pesticides and ensure that prevention methods; personnel have received the necessary certifications,26 or • Training on correct bird handling techniques and provision equivalent training where such certifications are not of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such required; as gloves and aprons, to prevent scratches. • Respect post-treatment intervals to avoid operator exposure during reentry to crops with residues of Confined Spaces pesticides; Occupational health and safety hazards associated with confined spaces on farms (e.g. manure pits, silos, grain bins, water tanks, or inadequately ventilated buildings) include the 26The US EPA classifies pesticides as either “unclassified” or “restricted.” All workers that apply unclassified pesticides must be trained according to the risk of asphyxiation, primarily due to the accumulation of Worker Protection Standard (40 CFR Part 170) for Agricultural Pesticides. methane. Entry to all confined spaces should be restricted and Restricted pesticides must be applied by or in the presence of a certified pesticide applicator. For more information, see http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/worker.htm APRIL 30, 2007 10 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP • Respect preharvest intervals to avoid operator exposure to Exposure to Biological Agents pesticide residues on products during harvesting; Workers may be exposed to a range of pathogens such as • Ensure hygiene practices are followed (in accordance to bacteria, fungi, mites and viruses (including “bird flu”) FAO and PMP) to avoid exposure of family members to transmitted from live birds, excreta, carcasses and parasites pesticides residues. and ticks27. Workers may also be exposed to skin sensitizers, such as dander from bird feathers. If antibiotics are used in feed, Air Quality antibiotic resistant micro-organisms might develop in the gastro- Source of dust in poultry production operations include handling intestinal tract of birds. Resistant bacteria can potentially infect and storage of feed ingredients which may include particles from humans on or in the vicinity of the farm. grain, mites, fungi, and bacteria, as well as inorganic material such as limestone. Other sources of dust include bird manure Management measures that should be taken to avoid the and associated bioaerosols. negative consequences of worker exposure to biological agents28 include the following. Job functions with a potentially higher incidence of exposure to dust include cleaning of silos and grain hoppers, milling of feed • Inform workers of potential risks of exposure to biological grain, and handling of poultry waste. Some dusts may contain agents and provide training in recognizing and mitigating antigens that can cause severe irritation to the respiratory tract. those risks; Acute toxic alveolitis, otherwise known as organic dust toxic • Provide personal protective equipment to minimize all syndrome, can accompany brief, occasional exposures to heavy forms of exposure to materials potentially containing concentrations of organic dust and moldy feed materials in pathogens; agricultural environment. • Ensure that those that have developed allergic reactions to biological agents are not working with these substances. In addition to the general dust exposure prevention and control guidance provided in the occupational health and safety section Additional guidance applicable to the management of biological of the General EHS Guidelines, recommendations for dust hazards is provided in the General EHS Guidelines . control specific to poultry production include: 1.3 Community Health and Safety • Use local air extraction devices at dust generating Community health and safety issues associated with the equipment, such as silos and grinders; construction and decommissioning of poultry production facilities • Ensure that workers potentially exposed to dust and are similar to those of other large projects and are addressed in bioaerosols, such as catching gangs, are provided with adequate respiratory protection including properly fitted 27 European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (OSHA). European Network. masks equipped with filters especially designed to capture FAQ on Agriculture Sector. dust and micro-organisms; http://agency.osha.eu.int/good_practice/sector/agriculture/faq_agriculture • Store only dry feed and grain to minimize microorganism 28 Detailed guidance on occupational health and safety measures to protect growth. against Avian Flu can be found in Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), Protecting Employees from Avian Influenza Viruses (2006), available at: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_AvianFlu/avian_flu_guidance_english.pdf APRIL 30, 2007 11 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP the General EHS Guidelines . Community health and safety The following actions should be taken at the system level to limit hazards specific to poultry operations include the potential the use of antibiotics: spread of animal diseases already addressed in this document as well as the following food safety issues. • Facilities involved in livestock production should use a veterinary service on an annual or more frequent basis to Food Safety Impacts and Management review and assess the health of the stock and employees’ The main veterinary drugs used in poultry are antibiotics. These competence and training. With the assistance of the are used to prevent and treat bacterial diseases. The veterinary service, facilities should develop a veterinary development of antibiotic resistance by pathogenic bacteria is of health plan to include the following aspects31: concern and arises when bacteria acquire resistance to one or o Summary of major diseases present and potentially more of the antibiotics to which they were formerly susceptible. present; That resistance eventually makes the antibiotics ineffective in o Disease prevention strategies; treating specific microbial diseases in humans.29 In addition, o Treatments to be administered for regularly when antibiotics are unintentionally consumed as residues in encountered conditions; food, the amount ingested cannot be quantified or monitored o Recommended vaccination protocols; and may cause direct health concerns, such as aplastic anemia, o Recommended parasite controls; posing a serious risk to human health. o Medication recommendations for feed or water. Concerning risks to community health and safety from the If antibiotics are recommended, the following measures should ingestion of hazardous substances in poultry products, the be considered: FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius provides guidance on veterinary • Apply only approved antibiotics in strict accordance with drug residues and pesticide residues. For example the Codex the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure responsible and contains 46 maximum residue limits (MRLs) for veterinary drugs correct use; in poultry products (including eggs), as well as MRLs for • Apply approved antibiotics that are purchased and utilized pesticide residues in chickens and eggs,30 The official Codex on prescription and under the guidance of a qualified Standards also contains standards for chicken products, for professional even where no prescription is required; example the Recommended International Code of Hygienic Practice for Egg Products. Observance of MRLs is required by • Prepare a contingency plan that specifies how antibiotics should be applied following the identification of disease law under some national jurisdictions and is encouraged elsewhere. outbreaks; • Store antibiotics in their original packaging, in a dedicated location that: o Can be locked and is properly identified with signs, 29 FAO (2002b). with access limited to authorized persons 30 The Codex Alimentarius provides Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for veterinary drug residues and pesticide residues in all major food raw materials, including chicken meat and eggs. The FAO/WHO veterinary drug MRL database is: http://www.codexalimentarius.net/mrls/vetdrugs/jsp/vetd_q-e.jsp The FAO/WHO pesticide MRL database is: 31 Formore information, see EUREPGAP guidance on integrated farm http://www.codexalimentarius.net/mrls/pestdes/jsp/pest_q-e.jsp assurance at http://www.eurepgap.org/farm/Languages/English/documents.html APRIL 30, 2007 12 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP o Can contain spills and avoid uncontrolled release of environment from the presence of disease-agents in the waste antibiotics into the surrounding environment streams. The objective should be the minimization of “excess” o Provides for storage of containers on pallets or other nutrients and other pollutants in runoff with additional platforms to facilitate the visual detection of leaks considerations for discharge to surface waters as described in o Avoid stockpiles of waste antibiotics by adopting a the General EHS Guidelines . “first-in, first-out” principle so that they do not exceed their expiration date. Any expired antibiotics should be Table 1. Effluent levels for poultry production disposed of in compliance with national regulations Pollutants Units Guideline Value pH pH 6 –9 BOD5 mg/l 50 2.0 Performance Indicators and COD Monitoring mg/l 250 Total nitrogen mg/l 10 2.1 Environment Total phosphorus mg/l 2 Emissions and Effluent Guidelines Oil and grease mg/l 10 Table 1 presents effluent guidelines for this sector for Total suspended solids mg/l 50 concentrated livestock feeding operations generating point Temperature increase °C <3b source effluents. Guideline values for process emissions and Total coliform bacteria MPN a / 100 ml 400 effluents in this sector are indicative of good international Active Ingredients / To be determined on a case specific Antibiotics basis industry practice as reflected in relevant standards of countries Notes: with recognized regulatory frameworks. These guidelines are a MPN = Most Probable Number b At the edge of a scientifically established mixing zone which takes into achievable under normal operating conditions in appropriately account ambient water quality, receiving water use, potential receptors and assimilative capacity designed and operated facilities through the application of pollution prevention and control techniques discussed in the preceding sections of this document. These levels should be Table 2 provides a typical range of ammonia emissions from achieved, without dilution, at least 95 percent of the time that the poultry housing systems. These values are provided for plant or unit is operating, to be calculated as a proportion of comparative purposes only, to help establish a benchmark at annual operating hours. Deviation from these levels in the project level. consideration of specific, local project conditions should be justified in the environmental assessment. Resource Use The following tables 2, 3, 4 and 5 provide examples of resource Poultry production operations may also be characterized by consumption indicators for energy, water, materials, and waste non-point sources of effluents or emissions which may need to in this sector. Industry benchmark values are provided for be monitored through the proper implementation of nutrient comparative purposes only and individual projects should target management strategy as described above, taking into continual improvement in these areas. These benchmarks are consideration potential impacts to human health and the APRIL 30, 2007 13 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP EC based and would need to be amended for a hotter climate especially where pad cooling is used for environmental control. Table 2. Ammonia emissions from poultry production systemsa Average Housing Type Unitb emission factor Laying hens in cages with deep pits underneath for g NH3 LU-1 h-1 6.9 gathering and storing manure Laying hens in cages with g NH3 LU-1 h-1 2.9 belt cleaning once weekly All birds kept on litter g NH3 LU-1 h-1 5.5 NOTES a Adapted from: DEFRA (2002) b The weight of ammonia emitted per unit of time and per liveweight housed (liveweight means the weight of the bird). Table 3. Energy consumption in poultry production Estimated energy consumption a Activity Broilers Laying hens Local heating 13 - 20 Feeding 0.4 - 0.6 0.5 - 0.8 Ventilation 0.10 - 0.14 0.13 - 0.45 Lighting 0.15 - 0.40 Egg preservationb 0.30 - 0.35 NOTES a Wh per bird per day. b Wh per egg per day. Source : EC (2003) APRIL 30, 2007 14 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP sufficient to provide representative data for the parameter being Table 4. Water consumption in poultry production monitored. Monitoring should be conducted by trained Water consumption of poultry individuals following monitoring and record-keeping procedures Annual water and using properly calibrated and maintained equipment. Average Water Annual water consumption ratio consumption consumptionc for cleaning Monitoring data should be analyzed and reviewed at regular Type water/feed per cycleb a of areasd intervals and compared with the operating standards so that any Broiler 1.7 – 1.9 4.5 – 11 40 – 70 0.012-0.120 necessary corrective actions can be taken. Additional guidance Layers (cages): on monitoring programs is provided in the General EHS Laying 0.01 1.8 – 2.0 10 83 – 120 Guidelines . hen Layers (deep litter): >0.025 Note: Adapted from: EC (2003). Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC). Reference Document on Best Available Techniques for Intensive 2.2 Occupational Health and Safety Rearing of Poultry and Pigs. July 2003. Tables 3.11-12. p. 104-5. a Liters/kg b Liters/head/cycle Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines c Liters/bird place/year Occupational health and safety performance should be d Use in m 3 per m 2 per ye.ar evaluated against internationally published exposure guidelines, Table 5. Nitrogen losses from poultry manure of which examples include the Threshold Limit Value (TLV®) management occupational exposure guidelines and Biological Exposure Losses from Indices (BEIs®) published by American Conference of Manure Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH),32 the Pocket Guide Total Total N Management losses available Building Storage excreted to Chemical Hazards published by the United States National Field to air for crops system Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH), 33 Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) published by the Pounds nitrogen / head / year Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United Surface 0.9 0.18 0.03 0.17 0.38 0.51 application States (OSHA),34 Indicative Occupational Exposure Limit Values Incorporate 0.9 0.18 0.03 0.04 0.25 0.65 published by European Union member states,35 or other similar Alum, 0.9 0.03 0.04 0.21 0.28 0.62 sources. incorporate Source : Marcel Aillery, et al., USDA Economic Research Service, Managing Manure to Improve Air and Water Quality, Economic Research Report No. (ERR9) 65 pp, September 2005. http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/ERR9/ Accident and Fatality Rates Projects should try to reduce the number of accidents among Environmental Monitoring project workers (whether directly employed or subcontracted) to Environmental monitoring programs for this sector should be a rate of zero, especially accidents that could result in lost work implemented to address all activities that have been identified to time, different levels of disability, or even fatalities. Facility rates have potentially significant impacts on the environment, during may be benchmarked against the performance of facilities in this normal operations and upset conditions. Environmental 32 Available at: http://www.acgih.org/TLV/ and http://www.acgih.org/store/ monitoring activities should be based on direct or indirect 33 Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/ 34 Available at: indicators of emissions, effluents, and resource use applicable http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDAR DS&p_id=9992 to the particular project. Monitoring frequency should be 35 Available at: http://europe.osha.eu.int/good_practice/risks/ds/oel/ APRIL 30, 2007 15 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP sector in developed countries through consultation with published sources (e.g. US Bureau of Labor Statistics and UK Health and Safety Executive)36. Occupational Health and Safety Monitoring The working environment should be monitored for occupational hazards relevant to the specific project. Monitoring should be designed and implemented by accredited professionals37 as part of an occupational health and safety monitoring program. Facilities should also maintain a record of occupational accidents and diseases and dangerous occurrences and accidents. Additional guidance on occupational health and safety monitoring programs is provided in the General EHS Guidelines . 36 Available at: http://www.bls.gov/iif/ and http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/index.htm 37 Accredited professionals may include Certified Industrial Hygienists, Registered Occupational Hygienists, or Certified Safety Professionals or their equivalent. APRIL 30, 2007 16 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP 3.0 References ATTRA- National Sustainable Agriculture Information service U.S. Matching HSE (Health and Safety Executive UK). 2005. Fatal Injuries Report 2004/05. Livestock and Forage Resources in Controlled Grazing. Fatal Injuries in farming, forestry and horticulture. Part 3: Non-fatal injuries in the http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/matchlandf.html#intro agricultural sector, 1994/95-2003/04. , p 42-46. United Kingdom: Health and Safety Executive http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/pdf/fatal0405.pdf BLS (US Bureau of Labor Statistics). 2004. Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Charts, 1992-2004. Number and rate of fatal occupational injuries by HSE (Health and Safety Executive UK). 2005. Health and Safety Executive private industry sector, 2004. (Table page 10). (HSE), United Kingdom, Fatal Injuries Report 2004/05. Fatal Injuries in farming, http://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/cfoi/cfch0003.pdf forestry and horticulture. Part 2: Analysis of reportable fatal injuries in the Agricultural sector, 1994/95-2003/04. p 23. United Kingdom: Health and Safety BLS (US Bureau of Labor Statistics). 2004. Industry Injury and Illness Data – Executive. http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/pdf/fatal0405.pdf 2004. Supplemental News Release Tables. Table SNR05: Incident rate and number of nonfatal occupational injuries by industry, 2004. Irish EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). 1998. Integrated Pollution Control www.bls.gov/iif/home.htm and www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/osh/os/ostb1479.pdf Licensing. Batneec Guidance Note For The Poultry Production Sector. Dublin, Ireland. http://www.epa.ie/Licensing/IPPCLicensing/BATNEECGuidanceNotes/ DAAS (Danish Agricultural Advisory Service). 2000. Manuals of Good Agricultural Practice from Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania available at: US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). National Agricultural Compliance http://www.lr.dk/international/informationsserier/intfbdiv/cgaps.htm Centre. Agriculture Centre. Ag101. Poultry Production. http://www.epa.gov/oecaagct/ag101/poultry.html DAAS (Danish Agricultural Advisory Service). 2006. J.E. Olesen. Sådan reducers udledningen af drivhusgasser fra jordbruget (How to reduce Green FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). Agricultural House Gas emissions from agriculture). Department for Livestock and Health provides various software and publications http://www.lr.dk/planteavl/informationsserier/info- on livestock http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/resources/en/resources.html planter/PLK06_07_1_3_J_E_Olesen.pdf FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). Feed safety DAAS (Danish Agricultural Advisory Service). 2006 b. Søren O Petersen: gives recommendations and links to various sources on feed safety Emission af drivhusgasser fra landbrugsjord (Emission of greenhouse gases http://www.fao.org/ag/aga/agap/frg/feedsafety/special.htm from agriculture). http://www.lr.dk/planteavl/informationsserier/info- planter/PLK06_07_1_1_S_O_Petersen.pdf FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). Animal Feed Resources Information System AFRIS DAAS and IMBR. Farm Standards for Feed and Manure Storage, Stables etc. http://www.fao.org/ag/AGA/AGAP/FRG/afris/tree/cat.htm Poland, for the European Commission 2004. IFC (International Finance Corporation). Operational policies; OP 4.04, Natural DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs). 2002. Ammonia in Habitats http://www.ifc.com the UK. London, UK. http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/ammonia/pdf/ammonia_uk.pdf Kelly Reynolds, Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water Supplies, Water Conditioning and Purification Magazine, June 2003: Volume 45, Number 6. European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (OSHA). European Network. http://www.wcponline.com/column.cfm?T=T&ID=2199. FAQ on Agriculture Sector. http://agency.osha.eu.int/good_practice/sector/agriculture/faq_agriculture Knowledge Centre of Manure and Biomass Treatment Technology The Centre is gathering knowledge about research and technology within the manure and European Commission. 1992. Natura 2000 Directive. (92/43/EEC) biomass sector – www.manure.dk http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/nature/ Michigan State University Extension. 1993. Michigan’s Drinking Water. Ext. European Commission. 1991. EU Nitrate Directive – Protection of Waters Bulletin WQ-19. Nitrate – A Drinking Water Concern. Revised Dec. 193. against Pollution caused from Agricultural Sources (91/676/EEC). http://www.gem.msu.edu/pubs/msue/wq19p1.html http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/water/water-nitrates/directiv.html National Safety Council. http://www.nsc.org/library/facts.htm includes HS e.g. European Commission (EC). 2003. Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control. Reference Document on Best Available Techniques for Intensive Rearing of Ohio Livestock Manure And Wastewater Management Guide Bulletin 604 Poultry and Pigs. Seville. Spain. July, 2003. http://ohioline.osu.edu/b604/b604_15.html http://eippcb.jrc.es/pages/FActivities.htm Roy, R.N., A. Finck, G.J. Blair & H.L.S. Tandon. 2006. Plant Nutrition for Food Euro-Retailer Produce Working Group (EUREP). EUROGAP. 1997. Security, A Guide for Integrated Nutrient Management. FAO Fertilizer and Plant http://www.eurep.org/documents/webdocs/EUREPGAP_Livestock_base_modul Nutrition Bulletin 16. Available at ftp://ftp.fao.org/agl/agll/docs/fpnb16.pdf e_CPCC_IFA_V2-0Mar05_1-3-05.pdf UNFCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). FAO and WHO (Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Greenhouse gases database, Emission from livestock production. Organisation).1962–2005. Codex Alimentarius. Geneva: FAO and WHO. http://ghg.unfccc.int/ http://www.codexalimentarius.net/web/index_en.jsp APRIL 30, 2007 17 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP USDA (Department of Agriculture). NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service Nutrients). Available from Livestock Manure Relative to Crop Growth Requirements http://www.nrcs.usda.ov/technical/land/pubs/nlweb.html US EPA, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit Regulation and Effluent Limitation Guidelines and Standards for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), 68 FR 7175-7274. http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-WATER/2003/February/Day-12/w3074.htm US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=7 APRIL 30, 2007 18 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP Annex A: General Description of Poultry Industry Sector Activities This description covers the production of laying hens, broiler specific unit38. The required land area and application rates are chickens, turkeys, ducks and gamebirds. Poultry production determined by a calculated nutrient mass balance to ensure that generally includes the following operations: feed manufacture, the nutrient load resulting from land spreading does not become storage and handling, poultry housing, feeding and watering, an environmental problem. egg and/or live bird collection, management of animal waste, In the second type, modern intensive poultry production facilities and disease and pest control. Modern poultry production function without an agricultural hinterland as other methods are primarily occurs in enclosed buildings to protect the birds from utilized for the disposal of the manure, for example commercial weather, predators, and the spread of diseases, Some specialty sale as a fuel or as a fertilizer for agricultural application. and small farm operations move birds outdoors during at least a portion of their development. Use of enclosed buildings allows producers to increase production efficiency and reduce labor Figure A.1: Poultry Production Cycle inputs, but concentrating many birds in one place also results in large volumes of poultry manure being produced in small areas. Poultry production can be a major source of odor. Odor Slaughtering Breeding emissions are mainly derived from production buildings and and culling manure storage, and from manure spreading to fertilize agricultural land. Excreta from poultry contain uric acid, which is converted to volatile ammonia under certain conditions. Emissions of ammonia from poultry buildings contribute to the acidification of soils and water and can have a negative impact Meat Hatching Production/ on populations of acid-sensitive flora. Considerations should Egg also be given to the protection of surface and groundwater Production resources in the vicinity of the facility and the areas where manure spreading is practiced because nutrient run-off into water courses and leachate into the groundwater are Figure A.1 presents a generic production cycle for the environmental problems. production of poultry. Modern production poultry production The characteristics of poultry manure are dependent on the systems typically consist of a number of highly specialized units following characteristics: water consumption, feed quality, feed that cover a certain stage of the bird life cycle. There is also a intake, and the amount and characteristics of litter used, if any. trend for the poultry supply chain to become vertically These need to be taken into account when estimating the integrated, with one company managing the entire value chain. quantity and associated characteristics of the manure from a 38Irish EPA. 1998. Integrated Pollution Control Licensing. Batneec Guidance Note For The Poultry Production Sector. P. 6. APRIL 30, 2007 19 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP Figure A.2 identifies the principal operations in poultry gender sorted. The day-old broiler chicks are delivered to broiler production. farms. Chicks from egg laying stock are gender sorted and the females delivered for egg production. Males are killed and Breeding disposed of. Two basic poultry types are used depending on the type of production: (i) broiler chickens and (ii) egg laying hens. Broiler Growth and Egg Production chickens are raised for meat products and are characterized by This is the main operational phase of the production cycle. The a low feed conversion rate, expressed in kg feed/kg produced production infrastructure as well as issues relating to manure meat and a high weight gain. Egg laying hens are raised for egg production and feed materials are described below. production and are characterized by a high egg laying rate, small size and a low feed conversion rate, expressed in kg Production Infrastructure feed/kg produced egg. In certain countries, cultural traditions The need and specifications for poultry production buildings also play a role in the type of egg laying hens selected, for depends on which climatic region the production is located in, example desired color of egg shell. and the type of production. Day-old chicks from the hatchery are placed in the brooder rings upon arrival. Broilers that have Breeder farms specialize in the production of fertilized eggs for reached a given size may be given access to the entire barn. either broiler production or egg production. These commercial Broiler chickens are kept in large, undivided houses with a deep operations may have 20,000 birds or more. Specific ratios of layer of litter (such as sawdust, chopped straw, or shredded male/female broilers are used to ensure the fertility of hatching newspaper) on the floor. The grow-out phase lasts 35 – 45 days eggs. Breeder broilers are generally kept in a barn with a slotted before the broilers reach market weight and are delivered to the floor or with a wire floor with litter in the middle of the floor to slaughterhouse. encourage mating. Nesting boxes are provided so that birds are able to lay eggs without disturbance and to keep eggs clean and Immature egg laying hens (termed “pullets”) are initially kept in facilitate collection39. The eggs are collected daily, assessed for either open barn systems similar to broiler chicken houses or in quality, and stored in plastic trays in a controlled environment cages. At an age of 16 – 18 weeks the pullets are transferred to before being transferred to the hatchery. egg laying facilities and are kept in laying units for about 12 months. After this period of time, egg laying rates typically fall Hatching and the birds are culled and sent to a slaughterhouse. The The eggs are hatched at special hatcheries. These are laying units are either cage based or allow free movement. centralized and typically receive fertilized eggs from several Cage-based systems use different arrangements to stack the breeder farms. The eggs may be stored for a period of up to 10 cages, for example the A-frame model, and consequently days before being placed in incubators that control temperature differing methods to gather the excreta, for example on and humidity and stimulate embryonic development. Hatching conveyor belts or allowing it to drop into deep pits under the typically takes 21 days. The hatchlings may be vaccinated and cages. Barn systems that allow free movement of the hens are open and have part-slatted, part-litter floor as well as a central 39 US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). National Agricultural Compliance pit for bird droppings. Centre. Agriculture Centre. Ag101. Poultry Production. http://www.epa.gov/oecaagct/ag101/poultry.html APRIL 30, 2007 20 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP All commercial poultry production is batch based – typically 42 Manure days or 12 months depending on production. After each batch The poultry manure in litter based production systems is the birds are removed, the manure is removed and the buildings removed from the production building after each batch of birds. are cleaned and disinfected. After a period of time, a new batch The manure produced combined with the litter has a dry matter is placed in the building. The building has automatic feeding, content of around 70% - 80% and is stored outside in watering, temperature control and ventilation systems. Buildings appropriate storage facilities. Laying hen houses typically use may be either naturally ventilated (air change due to wind) or cage or other systems that do not require liter. The poultry mechanically ventilated (where air is drawn into the buildings manure from cage systems either falls into deep pits located through vents due to a negative pressure created with wall fans underneath the cages, or onto a conveyor belt. The manure may that exhaust inside air)40. The production facilities are kept as be dried to a dry matter contact of around 50% by either blowing closed units with strict control on access by employees and dry air onto it (typically used in conveyor belt systems) or by visitors. Eggs may be washed prior to sale, generating waste letting ventilation air dry it (typically used in deep pits). The water effluent containing organic matter. Associated manure pits are emptied after each batch using mechanical infrastructure common to broilers and egg layers includes silos equipment and until then provide long term storage of the for feed concentrate, manure storage facilities and containers manure indoors. Conveyor belt systems are emptied several for dead birds. times a month. Manure from cage systems is stored indoors in specially designed building to keep the manure dry. Feed Poultry feed can be produced in the farm system but it is Slaughtering and Culling normally delivered from a feed mill. Feed is a concentrate Fully grown broiler chickens are sold to the market and consisting of ground corn to provide energy and soybean meal slaughtered for production of poultry meat. Culling is the to produce protein. The feeding depends on the nutrient process whereby sick birds that show signs of weakness are requirements of the different types and age of the poultry and removed from the production, killed, and disposed of according vitamins, minerals, and other supplements may also be added. to local legislation. Spent hens are sent to slaughter or rendering. 40 US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). National Agricultural Compliance Centre. Agriculture Centre. Ag101. Poultry Production. http://www.epa.gov/oecaagct/ag101/poultry.html APRIL 30, 2007 21 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines POULTRY PRODUCTION WORLD BANK GROUP Figure A-2. Principal Operations in Poultry Livestock Production Feed milling and grinding Feed storage Feed mixing Unloading and loading of animals Animal housing Storage of Wastewater carcasses Storage of waste Storage of manure treatment On-farm manure Landfill Incineration treatment External Storage of Application on processing residual products own land External treatment or application APRIL 30, 2007 22