Moisture control and periodic turning or fluffing are necessary to prevent compaction and resulting loss of the porosity necessary to permit air to pass through the mass of organic matter. This process is called aerobic composting. When animals are confined under roof, rain is not problem, but moisture that the animals exhale requires attention. Ventilate animal confinement buildings to move moisture out of the building. Adequate insulation on the underside of the roof or ceiling will prevent moisture condensation, which may run down the sidewalls or drip onto the floor.
Clean animals result from pens with clean floors.
Clean animals and floors cause less odor than manure-coated animals and floors. Frequent application of manure to land reduces odors. Manure undergoes anaerobic decomposition during storage, and odorous gases are produced. Any manure that has undergone anaerobic decomposition during storage will release these gases when it is removed from storage and applied to the land surface. These include dilution with irrigation water, soil incorporation during or immediately following land application, and selection of the most appropriate time and place for application.