Journal of Animal Research and Nutrition

Keywords

Poultry; Volatile sulfur compounds (VSC); Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S); Probiotic supplements; Bio filters

Abbreviations:

CO₂: Carbon Dioxide; H₂S: Hydrogen Sulfide; H₂SO₄: Sulfuric Acid; NH₃: Ammonia; Ppb: Parts Per Billion; Ppm: Parts Per Million; S: Sulfur; SO₂: Sulfur Dioxide; SO₄: Sulfate; SRB: Sulfate- Reducing Bacteria; Vscs: Volatile Sulfur Compounds

Introduction

In 2017, the National Agricultural Statistics Service reported that 7.73 billion table eggs were produced by 311 million layers in the US [1]. An increase in egg production is needed for the higher demand in the US and emerging economies around the world. High egg production is accompanied by a high accumulation of manure leading to complaints from neighbors living in close proximity to layer operations. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), one of the volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), has received a great deal of attention as one of the gaseous emissions associated with animal feeding operations because of its low odor threshold (H₂S=10 ppb) and its negative impacts on human and animal health and the environment.

The critical negative effects of H₂S on humans and the environment have been the subject of other reports [2-6]. Here, we focus known effects of H₂S on poultry, on determinants of H₂S during poultry production, and various methods for control or prevention.

Negative effects for poultry

Only three studies of direct H₂S toxicity on poultry have been published. Klentz and Fedde [7] studied the respiratory response of White Leghorn chickens to acute concentration of H₂S (0, 0.05% 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%). At 0.05%, there were no significant differences in tidal volume and respiratory frequency compared to the control group. At 0.2% and 0.3%, birds had an increase in respiratory frequency but returned to normal within 30 minutes after H₂S exposure. All birds died within 15 minutes at 0.4% H₂S inhalation; this is equivalent to 4000 ppm. The researchers noted that chickens are less sensitive to H₂S than mammals, 500-1000 ppm leading to death. In the same study, they also examined the response of intrapulmonary CO₂ receptors to varying H₂S concentration (0.035-0.1% H₂S). H₂S caused an increase in intrapulmonary CO₂ receptors’ discharge frequency and an increase in vertical sternal movements. This increase in discharge frequency inhibited carbonic anhydrase in the central respiratory neurons which led to apnea [7].

Kocaman et al. [8] observed that the concentrations of CO₂, NH₃, H₂S, relative humidity, and temperature in winter and spring are significantly different from summer and fall. Moreover, researchers found that an increase in CO₂ (950.0-1623.1 ppm), NH₃ (10.5-16.46 ppm), and H₂S (1.75-7.0 ppm) in poultry houses can decrease the feed conversion ratio (from 1.79 to 2.18 kg feed consumed per kg egg produced). The effect seems to be caused by a combination of the different gases and the condition of the poultry house rather than the effect of a single component.

Another study assessed the effect of only H₂S on the performance of broiler chickens. Each treatment was in an environmentally controlled chamber with 0 mg/kg H₂S in weeks 0-6 as a control; 3 treatments ranging from 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg H₂S during weeks 0 to 3 and 3, 6, and 12 mg/kg of H₂S during weeks 3 to 6. Results showed that H₂S had negative effects on broiler performance, resulting in an increase in production cost. From weeks 0 to 3, average daily intake and body weight increased and the feed: gain increased as H₂S concentration increased. The highest concentration of H₂S (12 mg/kg) resulted in a significant decrease in carcass yield and a significant increase in the rate of water loss in breast and thigh. This result correlated with a decrease in pH values of breast and thigh. The researchers suggested that there should be less than 2 mg/kg of H₂S in the broiler houses from weeks 0 to 3 and less than 6 mg/kg of H₂S from weeks 4 to 6 for healthy broiler production [9]. Overall, researchers examine negative effects of ammonia on poultry have found detrimental effect of H₂S along or in combination with other gases when it reached 1.75-7.0 ppm.

Determinants of H₂S emission

One approach to control H₂S is to understand the role of primary determinants such as S-containing amino acids, associated biological processes, microorganisms, and resulting interactions.

Amino acids in feed: Methionine is one of 13 essential amino acids required for growth of poultry [10,11]. Due to low methionine in plant products, it is the only amino acid that must be synthetically produced in a form of DL-methionine or methionine hydroxyl analogue (MHA) to add to poultry diets [12,13]. Of 18.8% crude protein, 0.38% is methionine. Thus, the total S required by chicken is approximately 4.5% of the total protein [10]. Chavez et al. [14] investigated the effect of different methionine sources (liquid MHA and DL methionine, dry MHA and sodium methioninate aqueous solution) and concluded that various methionine sources gave rise to the different odor profiles, varying concentrations of H₂S, COS, CH₃SH, CH₃SSCH₃, CH₃S₃CH₃.

Biological process associate with sulfur amino acids: There are two possible pathways to form H₂S and CH₃SH in animalsbacterial degradation of the S-containing amino acids and the bacterial reduction of sulfate ions (SO₄^2-) (Figure 1). The digestive pathway is for pig, a monogastic animal like chicken [15].

Figure 1: Production of H₂ pathways in the large intestine of pig.

Microorganisms anaerobically decompose S-containing amino acids (cysteine/cystine and methionine) forming intermediate Scontaining compounds that ultimately form H₂S and other VSC [16-19]. The enzyme responsible for this pathway is methionine gamma lyase, which is present in some organisms from archaea to bacteria to plants [20]. H₂S, along with pyruvate and NH₃, can also be released from the enzyme cystine desulfhydrase, catalyzing the α, β-elimination of L-cysteine [21]. Some of the Lactobacillus species, such as Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus brevis, were found to produce H₂S by this pathway if grown on peptone iron, triple sugar iron and Sulfide-Indole-Motility agars [22].

More specific bacterial degradation of complex organic matter is through a branch of strictly anaerobic genera of Deltaproteobacteria, sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) such as Desulfovibrio [23], Desulfobacter [24], Desulfococcus, and Desulfonema [25]. This pathway has also been found in Campylobacter [26], Escherichia coli [27-30] and Salmonella [31-33]. These SRB use hydrogen and organic compounds for growth while reducing SO₄^2- to H₂S/HS- in the process. These redox reactions (1-3), where CH₂O represents a generic organic carbon compound, depict the outcome.

SO₄^2- + ATP → PPi + APS (1)

APS + 2CH₂O +2e^- → SO₃^2- + 2H⁺+ AMP+ 2HCO^- (2)

SO₃^2- + 6e^- + 8H+ → H₂S + 3H₂O (3)

SRB may also use other volatile fatty acids such as acetate, propionate, butyrate, and lactate which serve as the final electron acceptor during cellular respiration providing energy and promoting the growth of these bacteria [25,34,35].

There is evidence of H2S production in the caecum of the chicken via microorganisms [36]. Gong et al. [37] identified bacteria present in the mucosa of chicken ceca using 16S rRNA. They found the chicken cecal environment to be highly diverse having butyrate-producing bacteria, which are closely related to Fusobacterium prausnitzii, as one of the largest groups among 116 cloned sequences. They also identified other bacteria such as Clostridia, Enterococcus cecorum, Escherichia coli, Lactobacilli, and Ruminococci. Basic et al. [38] reported their findings on proteins in Fusobacterium spp. that are involved in the production of H₂S from cysteine. The most abundant enzyme detected was cysteine synthase which is involved in cysteine metabolism. Endogenous H₂S production occurs as a reversible reaction of cysteine synthesis. Serine sulfhydrase, isolated from chicken liver, is known to catalyze the reversible reaction between H₂S and serine to produce cysteine and water [39]. Ultimately, when investigating ways to negate the negative effects of H₂S, it is important to account for naturally occurring endogenous sources.

Feed amendment with byproducts: Many investigators have assessed strategies to lessen production of H₂S during storage of manure at its source (feed). These strategies include control of dietary S amino acids by addition of various byproducts and inclusion of phytobiotics, prebiotics, or probiotics to minimize the amount of leftover S in manure.

When investigating the effect of feed manipulation on reduction of H₂S, literature of swine and broilers dominate that of layers. Results of swine research demonstrated the potential of reducing dietary S-containing amino acids and SO₄^2- to reduce H₂S emission [40]. Kendall et al. [41] provided reduced crude protein (from 11.5 % crude protein in the control to 8.25% in the treated groups) diets with 5% soybean hulls, high-available phytate corn, phytase, and reduced mineral SO₄^2- for six weeks to determine the effect on pig growth performance, NH₃, H₂S, odor examined, and nutrient excretion. There was a reduction in concentration of both NH₃ (48.7%) and H₂S (48%) at week six.

Jiao et al. [42] supplied varying amount of dietary methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM, at 0%, 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.20%) in order to examine the effect on broiler performance and gas emission. They found a linear trend for H₂S reduction (P=0.09) with greater addition of MSM in the diet.

The effect of different dietary fat sources was evaluated for growth performance, excreta microbiology and noxious gas emission in broilers. The two fat sources were halal tallow and a combination of tallow and lard. The investigators found no significant difference in H₂S reduction between the two fat sources during the 5-week study [43]. Researchers examined the same parameter for different treatments. The four treatments were (1) chicken fat, (2) tallow, (3) tallow and lard, and (4) pork fat/lard. Soybean was the control. NH₃, H₂S, and SO₂ emissions were significantly lower in diets with soybean oil and chicken fat compared to others [44].

Sharma et al. [45] found that providing similar calculated digestible methionine plus cysteine (7.3 g/kg in wheat and canola seed diet vs. 7.0 g/kg in wheat-corn without canola seed control diet) resulted in a higher concentration of CH₃SH from the diet with canola seed compared to that of the control. The researchers suggested that the significant difference was likely due to difference in moisture content. Higher moisture content produces more CH₃SH caused by increased anaerobic degradation. Sharma et al. [46] also reported a significant positive correlation between litter moisture with CH₃SH, H₂S, CH₃SCH₃, trimethyl amine, phenol, indole, and skatole.

When Wu-Haan et al. [47] fed diets contained 6.9% of CaSO₄ zeolite mixture to layers, they reported an increase in H₂S concentration from laying hens manure at different ages. The average H₂S daily emission over three weeks for the treated diet was significantly (P< 0.01) higher (4.08 mg/bird) than that of the control diet (1.32 mg/bird). Researchers suggested that the acidifying effect of CaSO₄ contributed to the increase in H₂S emission. Findings from another study using zeolite also showed zeolite in poultry manure lowered the concentration of other volatile compounds but increased VSC. The decrease in pH caused the noted change [48].

Wu-Haan et al. [49] investigated distillers dried grain plus soluble (DDGS), a by-product of corn from the beverage and alcohol industries, for its capacity to reduce H₂S emissions. They investigated the effect of varying amounts of DDGS (0, 10, and 20%) in the diet on air emissions and laying hens performance. Each diet contained 0.22, 0.27, and 0.42% of S, respectively. Adding DDGS to the diet showed no significant effect on layer performance but a significant reduction in emissions. Daily emissions of NH₃ and H₂S from 21- to 26-week-old laying hens decreased at the 20% DDGS inclusion rate.

Chlorine dioxide has been investigated as a dietary supplement to reduce gaseous emission without affecting broiler performance. Addition of 0.05% and 0.1% chlorine dioxide resulted in an antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (in ileum and cecum) and Salmonella Typhimurim (in cecum). The reduction in these two sulfate-reducing bacteria may explain the reduction in H₂S emission, significantly lowered at three hours of fermentation with 0.05% chlorine dioxide. The emission of CH₃SH was significantly lowered starting at the 0 hour of fermentation for both 0.05% and 0.1% chlorine dioxide [50]. The highest H₂S reduction rate (at 62.5%) of the feed additive was chemical addition of 0.05% chlorine dioxide.

Microorganism supplementation as feed amendment: Animals’ microflora need to be stable in order for improvement in feed efficiency and effective dietary nutrients utilization. Feed supplement, such as phytobiotics, prebiotics and probiotics should be considered for stabilization or improvement of the microflora community [51]. Phytobiotics, or phytogenics, are herbs, spices and plant extracts (essential oil) used in human traditional medicine [52]. In recent years, phytobiotics have been used as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters for beneficial effects such as higher feed intake, anthelmintic (antiparasitic), antimicrobial, coccidiostatic, and immunostimulating properties [53].

Use of phytobiotics: A dietary phytogenic feed additive, extracted from Korean pine, has been reported to significantly reduce NH₃ emission but no significant difference was found for total CH₃SH, H₂S and acetic acid. However, there was a significant positive correlation for reduction of all excreta gas emission and higher phytoncide supplementation [54].

A by-product of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) has been used to investigate the effect of growth performance, noxious gas emission and economic efficacy in broilers. NH₃ and H₂S reduction were both significant, but not SO₂. Optimal reduction of NH₃ (37%) was found in the diet with 2.0% byproduct whereas optimal reduction of H₂S (86%) was found in the diet with 0.5% by-product [55]. The same group of researchers investigated the effect of this byproduct on fecal growth performance, microbiology, and noxious gas emission in broilers. Broilers were fed varying amounts (0, 0.5, and 1%) of the byproduct for 35 days. Both levels of byproduct significantly reduced NH₃ emission at 12, 24, and 48 hours. Significant H₂S reduction was observed in 0 hour with 1% byproduct. Significant CH₃SH reduction was observed at 0, 3, and 48 hours of incubation with increasing levels of the byproduct [56].

A combination of exudates of Lactobacillus plantarum - fermented Gynura procumbens, Saccharomyses cereviseae - fermented Rehmannia glutinosa, and Bacillus licheniformis - fermented Scutellaria baicalensis were investigated for their effect on broiler performance. Diets included varying amounts (0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2%) of the fermented product for 35 days. NH₃ emission was significantly lower compared to the control diet. Investigators found no significant reduction in both H₂S and total CH₃SH emission but a significant linear correlation between the amount of H₂S and total CH₃SH produced and the amount of fermented product added [57].

Use of prebiotics: Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that promote the growth of the host's beneficial microflora [58,59]. Zhao et al. [60] explored the effect of levan fructan supplementation on broiler performance microflora and excreta noxious gas emission. NH₃ was significantly lowered by the addition of the supplement at 0.25% and 0.50% fructan (P<0.013). The higher amount of fructan did not improve the emission reduction efficiency. H₂S and acetic acid gas emissions were not significantly different from that of the control diet.

Supplementation of lactulose, a non-digestible carbohydrate used in stimulating the growth of Lactobacillus, has been investigated to improve broiler performance contrary to finding of Zhao et al. [60]. NH₃, H₂S, and acetic acid gas emissions were decreased (P<0.05) in diets with 0.1% and 0.2% lactulose compared to the control diet. As well, only the 0.2% lactulose diet had a significant increase in excreta Lactobacillus and a significant decrease in Escherichia coli compared to the control diet [61]. While many researchers have investigated the use of prebiotics in broiler productions, others have also examined on the use of probiotic as discussed below.

Use of probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that, when ingested, may benefit the host by improving digestion [62]. Because in commercial poultry production chicks are separated from layers, the opportunity to transfer microorganism from the layer’s feces to young chicks to improve their digestion is reduced. Other possible microorganisms that can be offered to chicks to serve a similar function have been proposed. Mainly, Lactobacilli have been used as probiotics because they are predominantly found in the chicken’s crop epithelial cells [63]. Lactobacillus organisms, endogenous in chicken as well as humans, are ubiquitous in nature. Research results provided information on the intestinal benefit of single-strain probiotics (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium, Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactobacillus farciminis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Streptococcus infantarius and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) for livestock and poultry [64]. Lactobacillus rhamnosus, alone, has been reported to reduce H₂S production in vitro under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions [65].

There is little information about in vivo investigations on the effect of probiotics in poultry production; that which is available has focused on broilers. Jeong and Kim [66] determined the effect of spore supplementation of Bacillus subtilis on broiler performance and noxious gas (H₂S and NH₃) emission. This 5- week study used 1.0 × 10⁹ cfu/g of Bacillus subtilis. The diets were 0, 300, and 600 mg of Bacillus subtilis/kg feed. There was no significant effect on the reduction of H₂S. In another study, these investigators ascertained the effect of astaxanthin (a carotenoid pigment produced by a yeast species, Phaffia rhodozyma) on the same parameters and found the same nonsignificant reduction of H₂S [67]. In a different study, Zhang and Kim [68] determined the effect of probiotic (Enterococcus faecium) supplementation with two levels of energy (2,700 or 2,800 kcal/kg, metabolizing energy) diet on Hy-Line brown layers. They also found no significant reduction in H₂S emission or total CH₃SH from freshly collected manure which was allowed to ferment for 30 hours in a sealed container before sample collection from the headspace.

In contrast, Lan et al. [69] investigated the effect of Enterococcus faecium on growth performance, excreta microbiota shedding, and noxious gas emission in broilers. They used varying amount of Enterococcus faecium in the treated diets (0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20%). At day 7, only H₂S emission was significantly reduced compared to that of the control diet (P<0.001), but the amount of Enterococcus faecium did not have a significant effect. At day 35, emissions of NH₃, H₂S, and total mercaptans were significantly reduced compared to the control at 0.20% level (P= 0.002, 0.001, and 0.013, respectively). Lactobacillus was not significantly increased but Escherichia coli were significantly lowered at 0.10% and 0.20% Enterococcus faecium at day 7. At day 35, Lactobacillus was significantly increased at all levels with significantly lower level of Escherichia coli at 0.05% and 0.20%.

Zhang et al. [70] found a significant reduction in H₂S concentration (37.9%) using only 105 cfu/kg of Bacillus subtilis alone compared to the control diet. Additionally, Sharma et al. [71] found a significantly lower H₂S concentration (up to 29.9% reduction) in the litter from birds fed high crude protein with probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) added compared to other diets (high crude protein alone, high crude protein with antibiotic, and high crude protein with saponin at 26, 24, and 23 for starter, grower and finisher diet). However, the decrease in H₂S concentration was not significantly different from that of the low crude protein diet (at 21, 19.5, and 18.4 for starter, grower, and finisher diet). The researchers noted the correlation between H₂S and moisture content (r=0.482, P<0.01).

Ahmed et al. [72] determined the effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on growth performance, cecal microflora, NH₃, and H₂S emission of broilers provided with varying amounts of probiotic (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 g/kg) for 35 days. The results showed a negative linear and quadratic effects on fecal emissions of H₂S (P<0.001) with optimum effect at 5g/kg of feed. Other results also suggested a positive effect on bird health.

Additionally, multi-strain probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri, Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium animalis, Pediococcus acidilactici, and Lactobacillus salivarius) isolated from intestinal tract of healthy adult chicken has been used as supplements to improve broiler growth responses, digestibility and cecal microflora composition [73]. Reportedly, the use of multi strain probiotics is better than single strain supplementation [74]. A combination of four bacterial strains of Lactobacilli, consisting of Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus buchneri, and Lactobacillus plantarum, has been shown to significantly reduce the malodor from the broiler house. VSCs such as CH₃SCH₃ and CH₃S₃CH₃ were decreased [75]. An in-vitro study showed that Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus have anti-microbial activity against Clostidium Perfringens, bacteria known to reduce sulfite to the sulfide ion [76-78].

The effect of probiotic containing Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Clostridium, Saccharomyces, and Candida species at a rate of 3 g/kg feed (107-8 cfu/g) on broiler performance and odor was investigated. The method for detecting gaseous compounds were performed by holding inspection tubes (Gastec Co., Japan) one meter above the ground. Investigators found a reduction in NH₃, H₂S, and CH₃SH in both male and female broilers compared to the control groups. The researchers concluded that these bacteria had a beneficial effect for overall broiler performance [79].

In contrast, [80] found no significant reduction of H₂S in manure fermented for 1, 3, and 5 days with the use of spraydried spore-forming bacteria at 2 × 10⁸ viable spores/kg of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus subtilis, and Clostridium butyricum in the diet.

A non-significant effect of multi-strain complex probiotic was observed in a different study by Balamuralikrishnan et al. [81]. The researchers used two different commercially available types - Probiotic A [Bacillus coagulans (1 × 10⁹ cfu/g), Bacillus licheniformis (5 × 10⁸ cfu/g), Bacillus subtilis (1 × 10⁹ cfu/g), and Clostridium butyricum (1 × 10⁸ cfu/g)] and Probiotic B [Bacillus coagulans – (1 × 10⁹ cfu/g), Bacillus licheniformis (5 × 10⁸ cfu/g), and Bacillus subtilis (1 × 10⁹ cfu/g)].

Two strains of Bacillus subtilis were used in conjunction when challenging broilers with Salmonella typhimurium to understand the effect on performance, blood profiles, intestinal Salmonella concentration, and noxious gas emission. The two strains of bacteria were as effective as using the antibiotic (virginiamycin) in lowering the intestinal concentration of Salmonella. However, only the NH₃ emission was significantly lowered. CH₃SH, H₂S, and acetic acid emissions were not significantly different from the control [82].

Hossain et al. [83] investigated the effects of Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium butyricum, and Lactobacillus acidophilus on excreta noxious gas emissions in broilers. In this study, the probiotics were added to the feed. Diets were (1) control (antibiotic free diet), (2) ANT1 (enramycin 5 ppm added), (3) ANT2 (avilamycin 5 ppm added), (4) TSP1 (0.1% probiotic added), and (5) TSP2 (0.2% probiotic added). Investigators found no significant effect on reduction of H₂S concentration.

Manure, manure pH, and manure amendment: As noted above, research on feed manipulation can reduce H₂S emission in manure. Other researchers have focused on direct manipulation of manure.

Lin et al. [84] quantified the source of S from three different laying hen houses (conventional cage, enriched colony, and aviary) to be about 91.7% from feed and 8.3% from water. Of the total, 67.8%, 25.9%, 6%, and 0.3% was deposited in manure, egg, air, and chicken as body weight, respectively. However, Wu- Haan et al. [85] reported 57.1% S after manure clean out at the end of a 3-week study. Less frequent clean-out time resulted in higher loss of S into the atmosphere. This conclusion is in agreement with results indicating that total reduced S concentration in the air was generally at its highest on storage days 30 to 35 [86].

Amino acid compounds have been found in animal manure [87-89]. Banwart and Bremner [90] investigated the origin of the VSCs including H₂S, CH₃SH, COS, CH₃SCH₃, CH₃SSCH₃, and CS₂, and found that all, except H₂S, are released from the decomposition of S-containing amino acids in soils treated with sludge, manure, dried or fresh plant materials. The release continues for up to 44 days. Investigators further noted that H₂S was not detected due to its quick sorption by soil, making detection in the air impossible [91]. This may also be a possible reason for low concentration of H₂S detected in other poultry houses.

More variety of VSCs was found in fresh manure than in old manure [86]. However, based on comments from a panel of 10 volunteers, the concentration of H₂S, or the rotten-egg odor, was more prominent in the dried manure than in fresh manure [92].

Gay et al. [93] compared the total reduced S, NH₃, and other odor levels from various animal housing facilities and manure storage sites. Composting of laying hen manure ranked third in highest emission of total reduced S compare to other types of animal manure storage units. The measurement ranged from 1.35 to 370.0 μg/s/m², having the highest variability (standard deviation=104 μg/s/m² for n=19). The researchers noted that the high variability may have been due to the differences in sampling sites, including factors such as diets, manure management, the design of the storage unit, seasons, and the ambient air temperature.

Manure pH and manure amendment can aid in removal of unwanted odors from poultry houses. Manure pH plays a crucial role in emission of H₂S. The following equation derived by Xue et al. [94], shows the relationship between H₂S concentration and the H⁺.

Where [H₂S] is free H₂S concentration (mol/L), [HS^-] is HSconcentration (mol/L), K (H₂S) is equilibrium constant for H₂S (mol/L), [S₂^-] is concentration of S₂^- (mol/L), and K (HS^-) is the equilibrium constant for HS^- (mol/L) [95].

The equation shows that higher pH may reduce H2S emission into the atmosphere [96]. Sharma et al. [97] modeled the effect of pH on the H₂S production by anaerobic sewer biofilm where multiple SRB species have been identified from the sewer biofilm [98]. The result of Sharma et al. [97] indicated that the maximum H₂S production was at physiological pH (6.5-7.5). The S₂^- production was reduced outside of this range with up to 50% inhibition at pH 4.0 and pH 9.0. Free NH₃ inhibited the effect on H₂S production at high pH. The researchers were not able to determine the effect of low pH inhibition; however, they reported that acetic acid and other volatile fatty acids were not the cause.

A pilot-scale composting reactor showed the H₂S reduction potential when adding sawdust to manure to improve the biodrying process; however, certain conditions must be met. The temperature must be more than 30°C above the ambient temperature. The moisture content should be between 30-40%. Exploring two conditions, the exhaust H₂S of manure with sawdust was shown to be below the detectable limit (0.1 ppm, measured by a Gastech portable detector) compared to the manure without added sawdust (3-5 ppm) [99].

Gutarowska et al. [100] proposed to use a mixture of six strains of bacteria and one yeast (Bacillus subtilis subspecies spizizenii, Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas sp., Psychrobacter faecalis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Streptomyces violaceoruber, and Candida inconspicua) in the water as poultry manure deodorization. They found that the highest removal of volatile compounds (NH₃, H₂S, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, isobutyric acid) was caused by Bacillus subtilis subspecies Spizizenii, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Candida inconspicua, and Psychrobacter faecalis. This surface application of bacteria removed NH₃ and H₂S from the exhaust gas by 20.8% and 17.5%, respectively. Moreover, there was a 45% reduction of protein and amino acids, particularly cysteine and methionine, after 24 hour of deodorization. A reduction of cysteine may explain the reduction in H₂S concentration [101].

Matusiak et al. [102] further investigated the deodorizing capacity for the same six strains of microorganisms, enriched with two species of Lactobacillus plantarum. Mixtures of microorganisms in water were sprinkled on poultry manure with and without Yucca schidigera. Poultry manure was aerobically incubated in a sealed chamber with a flow rate of 2 L/min. The highest reduction in H₂S concentration was the poultry manure with Yucca schidigera alone (64%), followed by poultry manure with microorganisms alone. This study also reported the benefit of the yucca extract to lower the concentrations of odorous compounds such as NH₃, dimethylamine, H₂S, isobutyric acid, and trimethylamine emitted from poultry manure. Yucca produces saponin that has been reported to inhibit microbial fermentation of protein [103].

Borowski et al. [104] was able to reduce NH₃ and H₂S from the exhaust air by 94% and 60%, respectively, after 2 days of deodorization using a combination of bacterial species (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Lactobacillus plantarum) on manure. The most effective method was 20% spray-dried microorganisms onto perlite and bentonite (2:8 ratios by weight) which was stored at room temperature (22 °C) for at least 5 months

A combination of spraying a water-oil mixture on manure and increased ventilation reduced H₂S emission by 32% (from 13.2 to 9.0 ppm). The mixture was added at a rate of 80% sunflower oil and 20% water. The spraying area was 0.5 liter mixture for 100 m2 floor area. In addition to a reduction in H₂S emission, this method also decreased temperature, relative humidity, concentration of dust, CO₂ and NH₃ [105]. The oil component most likely affects other parameters which lead to lowering H₂S emitted in the house.

Quebracho tannins also have the ability to reduce H₂S and methane gas emission by reducing the number of SRB and their metabolic activities. Stored swine manure was used in the experiment likely somewhat representative of poultry manure. It can be sprayed over manure or mixed with the liquid used to remove manure [106].

Packaged bacterial that can be added to manure to reduce H₂S may become the norm in the future. Possibly, the combination of tannin-containing horticultural byproducts and packaged bacteria could be used to reduce SRB in manure.

Housing: Housing types are critical as they often determine how manure is removed or stored over long periods of time. The National Air Emissions Monitoring Study [107] was funded by the Animal Feeding Operation (AFO) industry with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide information about emissions of particulate matter, NH₃, H₂S, and volatile organic compounds from industries for swine, broilers, laying hens, and dairy. Out of 25 sites, only five were from poultry farms (3 layers and 2 broilers). The H₂S emission data was collected from layer houses in North Carolina, Indiana, Kentucky, and California (Figure 2) [107].

Figure 2: Map of monitoring site locations in the U.S [107].

A detectable amount of H2S (19.7 ppb) was found in cagedhen high-rise layer houses (Figure 3) [108-112]. Layers were fed different types of feed to determine their efficacy in reducing NH₃ and H₂S. The control, a standard industry diet, produced 0.045 ppm of H₂S as an average concentration over a two-year period. This was well above the detectable limit, as low as 0.01 ppm. Researchers noted that most of the odor in poultry houses comes from NH₃ and H₂S [109]. Almuhanna et al. [110] detected a lower average H₂S concentration of 6.05 μg/m3 and 8.6 μg/m3 (=0.01 ppm) for two broiler houses. The maximum H₂S concentration was 162.80 and 37.50 μg/m³.

Figure 3: Poultry housing: High rise with reverse stair-step [112].

However, the results are not clear because the two housing conditions were not specified.

A more recent study monitored two different type of poultry housing and found that manure-belt housing (Figure 4) [113]was 92% higher in emissions per animal unit (AU) and 78% higher in emissions per hen compared to high-rise houses (Figure 3) [112] (Table 1) [111].

Figure 4: Poultry housing: battery cage with manure-belt [113].

Table 1: Daily means of H2S emissions 1 from nine reported laying hen houses using the same measurement method in the U.S.

Table 2: Summary table of H2S mitigation strategies.

A report on poultry housing in South Korea stated that caged layer houses tend to have the highest levels of NH₃ and H₂S compared to layer houses with manure belts and broiler houses.

The author suggested that the difference in ventilation system could be the cause of this trend. Caged layer houses use a mechanical ventilation system which is usually set below the recommended ventilation rate to lower cost, whereas, the manure belt and broiler house have natural ventilation [119].

Leonard et al. [120] investigated the air quality in a broiler house for 20 minutes each week of the production cycle and found no detectable H₂S using 10 ppb as the limit of detection. Broilers were raised in a wood-frame construction with earthen floors using short straw as litter. H₂S production, along with gases such as CO₂ and NH₃, were measured from three different commercial laying hen barns by the same group of researchers. Barn A was a single-story house with individually housed hens stacked in three levels. Manure belts were used to collect droppings which were conveyed and elevated once a week to a manure spreader outside of the barn. Barn B was a double-story that had a deep-pit utilizing the lower half as the manure storage. Hens were lined up in three rows of doubly flat-deck cages (Figure 5) [114]. Manure was removed annually by a tractor with a front-end loader. Barn C, like Barn A, was a singlestory unit with three levels of stair-step cages. The droppings were scraped from the shallow manure pit monthly to a crossconveyor and elevated into a manure spreader. The researchers did not detect any H₂S in barn A or C and only 30 ppb from barn B. They noted that this concentration was very low however, workers should be cautious when working in the barns especially during manure clean-out [121].

Figure 5: Poultry housing: flat-deck [114].

Guarrasi et al. [122] compared the occupational exposure of H2S in poultry, beef/dairy, and swine operations. They reported that poultry operations have the highest weighted mean H₂S concentration (0.33 ppm) among the three different animal types. Further, they compared two different type of housing. The floor-based housing had the highest weighted mean H₂S concentration (4.52 ppm) compared to the caged-based housing (0.04 ppm). The caged-based housing was a representative house for all layers whereas the floor-based housing represented the broiler operation.

Conclusions obtained from results of investigation indicate that the concentration of H2S found in poultry houses is relatively low. The danger is more pronounced when there is improper handling of wastes.

Ventilation rate and bio filters: As noted, proper handling of waste is critical when lessening the effects of H₂S on workers. If manure is stored for any length of times, the ventilation rate should be clearly monitored. One of the ways to reduce VSC emission from poultry houses is to reduce the moisture content of the manure. A proper ventilation system can be used to control moisture and create appropriate indoor air quality [123]. Zhang et al. [124] investigated the combined effect of ventilation rate and the use of a super-plasma ionizing air purifier on the indoor air quality in broiler production. The different ventilation settings were 10 and 5 times per hour. The results showed that the 5 times per hour ventilation rate produced significantly higher concentration of H₂S than the 10 times per hour ventilation rate.

In addition to ventilation by fan, bio filters (Figure 6) [125] can be used to treat exhaust air in mechanically ventilated buildings by blowing through a media covered with a biofilm (containing bacteria). A species of bacteria with the ability to remove H₂S from the exhaust air is Pseudomonas putida. Without causing acidification of the bio filter, this species of bacteria can convert H₂S to mainly elemental S, allowing the microorganism activity to continue without much monitoring. When immobilized with calcium alginate, it was reported to remove up to 96% of H₂S at 10 - 150 ppm with a flow rate of below 72 L/h [126].

Figure 6: Schematic representation of biofiltration system where bacteria can be introduced into the media support for odor removal [125].

Laboratory-scaled research was designed to show the capacity of immobilized Thiocbacillus thioparus as a biofilter to remove H2S under low-concentration conditions. High removal of H₂S can be achieved with temperatures between 20-37°C (97.5-98.0%) and the flow rates of the inlet H₂S concentrations are either 36 or 72 liters per hour. This species of bacteria oxidizes H₂S to SO^₄2-, elemental S, SO₃^2-, and S^2- [127]. Coimmobilization of T. thioparus and Nitrosomonas europaea was also found to be effective in reducing both H₂S and NH₃ emission. However, researchers found that H₂S lowered the removal efficiency of NH₃ but NH₃ had no effect on removal of H₂S [128]. Sercu et al. [129] used Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Hyphomicrobium VS in a two-stage biofiltration. Together, more than 99.8% H₂S removal efficiency was achieved.

Sun et al. [130] further investigated the effect of bio filters in the removal of H₂S with varying moisture content and reaction time, which is defined as the duration of contact time between air and bio filter media. When using compost/wood chips, the average removal rate of H₂S varied from 47% to 94% with moisture content of 50% and gas retention time of 20 seconds being the highest removal rate. As noted by Bohn [131], bio filtration remains a promising field of research due to its minimal maintenance/cost and high efficiency; however, to our knowledge, there is no published research to date on the prevalence of bio filter use in the poultry industry.

Summary of methods used to effectively reduce H₂S emissions

VSC and most especially H₂S produced during poultry production is harmful to humans, poultry, and the environment. Understanding the chemistry and biological processes for production of H₂S, employing mitigation processes from input (feed) to bio filters is necessary to greatly reduce emissions. Table 2 is an extensive summary of the best possible reported ways (above 30% reduction) to reduce VSC and H₂S emissions discussed in this review. Thus, not all reduction methods are presented in the table.

Table 2 was examined to determine recommendations for single or combined methods to achieve 100% reduction of H₂S. As shown in Figure 7, this can be achieved by feeding multistrain probiotics, treating manure with sawdust, or installing a "biotrickling filter," combining a biofilter and a bioscrubber, in the poultry house. A combination of Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Clostridium, Saccharomyces, and Candida species used as a probiotic in feed will not only decrease the amount of H₂S released, but also promote and maintain a healthy gut microflora. Sawdust is used to lower the moisture content and to prevent the anaerobic decomposition of the undigested Scontaining amino acids. The biofiltration system using Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Hyphomicrobium VS, though proven only in the laboratory settings, relies on the ability of the selected strains of microorganisms to trap H₂S as H₂SO₄ in the exhaust fan before the air is released to the surrounding area.

Figure 7: Schematic of future research to reduce H₂S by 100%.

In locales where resources may be limited, other combined methods to reduce H₂S emissions can be employed. The symbiotic effect of prebiotic(s) and probiotic(s) can promote the health of birds. If there is an additive effect, inclusion of 0.2% lactulose and 20g Bacillus amyloliquefaciens per kg of feed will reduce H₂S, producing the desired effect of zero emissions. Or 5% concentration of Yucca schidigera extract adding at a rate of 25 mL per 0.5 kg manure can be used to eliminate H₂S emissions from manure.

If microorganisms are inaccessible, byproducts such as DDGS (20%) or perhaps other high fiber ones can be added to feed in place of traditional corn-soybean meal. By supplying the antimicrobial activity of chlorine dioxide (0.05%) to the high fiber byproduct, an additional reduction of H₂S can be achieved. Manure can also be sprayed with sunflower oil and water to greatly reduce H₂S as well.

Conclusion

It is not likely that all possible ways to reduce H₂S will be used at the recommended levels. While research to control H₂S continues with broilers, more work should focus on their effects for laying hens especially during peak egg production at 30-40 weeks. With the recent advancement in microbial technologies, bio filtration and probiotics are promising areas of future research. Results of research, conducted in small laying hen houses under controlled conditions, can be scaled to industrial use, thereby affording more protection for animals, workers, and the environment, thus leading to a positive public acceptability of these very important agricultural operations.

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