Which option best describes a management practice to reduce manure odor?

• A. Ventilation and litter management reduce odors
• B. Use chemical deodorizers only
• C. Regular removal/storage and diet optimization to reduce nitrogen excretion
• D. Introduce manure lagoons to dilute odor

Answer: (C)

Odor control comes from cutting the amount of nitrogen entering the manure system and from removing manure before it can decompose into strong-smelling compounds. Diet optimization reduces nitrogen excretion by animals, meaning less ammonia is produced, while regular removal and proper storage limit the time manure spends in conditions that generate odor. This combination targets both the source of the odor and its release, making it the most effective approach.

Relying on chemical deodorizers only masks odor without reducing production. Ventilation and litter management help air quality but don’t address the root cause as comprehensively. Manure lagoons may dilute odor but can create other environmental problems and aren’t the best standalone odor-control practice.