These operations can be divided into two major categories based on where and how animals are kept. In confined or concentrated feeding operations, the animals are kept in enclosed facilities throughout all or most of their lives. In unconfined systems, animals are maintained on pastures and allowed to forage or are provided supplemental feed in relatively open settings. This article will focus on the confinement production of pork and its associated concerns and regulation, however, much of the discussion will be applicable to other species as well as livestock produced in unconfined systems. Probably the major concern in the regulation of confined feeding operations is the collection, storage and disposal of animal wastes or manures.
Earthen lagoons are structures that function as digestors where bacteria decompose organic matter.
Anaerobic lagoons are often used in swine production because of their efficiency and cost advantages. An improperly-sized lagoon increases the need for more intensive management and disposal frequency. These collection components are designed to be emptied at frequencies of once every week to once a year. The most common method of animal waste disposal from concentrated feeding operations is still land application. 15 Manure is an excellent nutrient source for growing crops because it contains at least low concentrations of all the necessary nutrients plus has beneficial soil amendment properties.