Education

Research Description

Livestock barn ventilation, heating, and cooling; agricultural air quality; renewable energy applications in livestock barns

Honors and Awards

• Special Specialist Award, 2006
• Robert W. Bottcher Promising Researcher Award, 2004
• Faculty Research and Professional Development Award, 2004
• WVU Extension Service Outstanding Developing Researcher Award, 2002

Publications

Impacts of utilizing swine lagoon sludge as a composting ingredient

Patil, P., Sharara, M., Shah, S., Kulesza, S., & Classen, J. (2023), JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, 327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116840

Can Biochar Improve the Sustainability of Animal Production?

Graves, C., Kolar, P., Shah, S., Grimes, J., & Sharara, M. (2022). [Review of , ]. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL, 12(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/app12105042

EVAPORATIVE PAD COOLING IMPACTS ON BARN ENVIRONMENT AND FINISHING PIG PERFORMANCE

Wiegert, J., Knauer, M., & Shah, S. B. (2022), APPLIED ENGINEERING IN AGRICULTURE, 38(2), 351–359. https://doi.org/10.13031/aea.14810

SIMULTANEOUS REDUCTION OF THERMAL STRATIFICATION AND AMMONIA CONCENTRATIONS IN POULTRY HOUSE DURING BROODING AND IN COOL WEATHER

Shah, S. B., Earnest, K., Oviedo-Rondon, E. O., Kolar, P., & Singletary, I. (2022), APPLIED ENGINEERING IN AGRICULTURE, 38(2), 375–386. https://doi.org/10.13031/aea.14862

Comprehensive Evaluation of a Landscape Fabric Based Solar Air Heater in a Pig Nursery

Yu, L., Shah, S. B., Knauer, M. T., Boyette, M. D., & Stikeleather, L. F. (2021), ENERGIES, 14(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/en14217258

Dynamics and Treatability of Heavy Metals in Pig Farm Effluent Wastewater by Using UiO-66 and UiO-66-NH2 Nanomaterials as Adsorbents

Wang, L., Dai, X., Man, Z., Li, J., Jiang, Y., Liu, D., … Shah, S. (2021), WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION, 232(7). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-021-05229-6

Impact of microbial waste additives and glucose on ammonia emissions from broiler litter in the lab

Shah, S. B., McKettrick, W., Najafian, A., & Grimes, J. (2021), JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH PART A-TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING. https://doi.org/10.1080/10934529.2021.1886776

Recycled eggshells as precursors for iron-impregnated calcium oxide catalysts for partial oxidation of methane

Karoshi, G., Kolar, P., Shah, S. B., & Gilleskie, G. (2020), BIORESOURCES AND BIOPROCESSING, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40643-020-00336-4

Valorization of Eggshell Waste into Supported Copper Catalysts for Partial Oxidation of Methane

Karoshi, G., Kolar, P., Shah, S. B., & Gilleskie, G. (2019), INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41742-019-00238-0

Windbreak Wall-Vegetative Strip System to Reduce Air Emissions from Mechanically Ventilated Livestock Barns: Part 2—Swine House Evaluation

Ajami, A., Shah, S. B., Wang-Li, L., Kolar, P., & Castillo, M. S. (2019), Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 230(12), 289. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-019-4335-2

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Grants

Assessing the physiological stressors due to injection of nitrogen during ventilation shutdown plus heat for depopulation of laying hens

United States Poultry & Egg Association(1/01/23 - 12/31/23)

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Assessing the physiological stressors due to injection of nitrogen during ventilation shutdown plus heat for depopulation of laying hens

Sponsor: United States Poultry & Egg Association

Start Date: 1/01/23

End Date: 12/31/23

Abstract

The need for timely depopulation is one of the most critical control measures outlined in “The Red Book” to contain a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak (USDA 2015). Delayed depopulation is the predictive factor in determining the size of an outbreak based on the 2003 H7N7 HPAI outbreak in the Netherlands (Le Menach et al. 2006). Some research has looked at VSD+ Heat, as well as injecting CO2 in cage and aviary systems to accelerate depopulation measures if needed or resources are depleted. A popular press article discussing what would be best, an opponent of VSD Sara Shields, at the Humane Society International stated that using nitrogen gas might be a more humane alternative (apnews.com, 2022). Nitrogen has been used for execution where the death penalty is allowed, it acts as an asphyxiate and displaces oxygen to levels below those required for life when inhaled. While N2 use in humans, depopulation studies of animals are nonexistent. Understanding the physiological effects and stressors of injecting N2 as a component of VSD+ would be logical. N2 is not an irritant and will displace O2 it may be an alternative depopulation method that is not documented. The goal is to analyze and provide scientific data to evaluate the depopulation effectiveness of injecting N2 as the plus in VSD+ for pandemic and FAD emergencies. Documenting environmental parameters behavior and physiological impact on brain electrical activity (through EEGs), and the stress physiology on the hen through to time of death. This will evaluate N2 as a viable depopulation option. This will potentially provide science-based information on nitrogen as a method for emergency mass depopulation for the AVMA to review. Models would develop to account for parameters (i.e. flock size, barn size) which influences time to death when using VSD+. Expanding VSD+ that will also provide evidence on how nitrogen effects hens and if it could be a possible choice for depopulation.

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Conversion of Food Wastes into Energy Storage Devices

Ohio State University(6/01/22 - 12/29/23)

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Conversion of Food Wastes into Energy Storage Devices

Sponsor: Ohio State University

Start Date: 6/01/22

End Date: 12/29/23

Abstract

The overall goal of the proposed research is to convert food wastes (FW) into heteroatom-doped supercapacitors. Specifically, for this project, we propose to use coffee chaff, bread scraps, and peanut hulls as waste feedstocks because of their favorable chemical composition (presence of C, O, N, and trace amounts of S and P). The two major objectives are to (1) synthesize of activated char doped with N, O, S, and P from FWs and (2) evaluate the efficacy of the activated char-derived supercapacitors via electrochemical testing. After the conclusion of the project, we expect to have developed technical protocols to convert FWs (coffee chaff, bread scraps, and peanut hulls) into AC-derived supercapacitors. Specifically, the first objective will result in the development of procedures for the synthesis of porous AC-doped with optimal concentrations of N, S, O, and P on the surface of the AC matrix. After the conclusion of the second objective, information on the energy density, specific capacitance and power density of the electrodes will be available for comparison.

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Evaluating the Impact of Environmental Relative Humidity and Temperature with Ventilation Shutdown for Depopulation of Broilers and Turkeys

United States Poultry & Egg Association(1/01/22 - 6/01/23)

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Evaluating the Impact of Environmental Relative Humidity and Temperature with Ventilation Shutdown for Depopulation of Broilers and Turkeys

Sponsor: United States Poultry & Egg Association

Start Date: 1/01/22

End Date: 6/01/23

Abstract

Research recently conducted at North Carolina State University has demonstrated that ventilation shutdown with supplemental heat (VSDH) is effective as a potential method for the depopulation of broilers and turkeys during an FAD. The environmental and physiological impacts on broilers and turkeys, has been documented in comparison to ventilation shutdown (VSD) and ventilation shutdown with supplemental carbon dioxide (VSD+CO2). Brain activity indicates that broilers and turkeys are unconscious through a portion of the VSD and VSDH process. Based on the findings and observations during the studies with broilers and turkeys it appears that humidity plays a greater role in the VSDH process by exacerbating the inability of birds to dissipate core body heat through evaporative heat loss, which may shorten the time to death significantly. Humidity builds slowly in the environment with VSDH due to increase in moisture holding capacity of air with increasing temperatures. This appears to extend the time to death causing greater stress on the birds. We propose to assess the effect of injecting humidity in to the VSDH process to determine if time-to-death is affected by increases in humidity combined with increasing environmental temperature. By enhancing this process it is theorized that the time to death would be significantly reduced. We propose to assess three groups, VSDH, VSDH with increased relative humidity (VSDH+Rh), and VSDCO2 for depopulating broilers and turkeys. Assessment will include environmental parameters and stress physiology utilizing the experimental protocols conducted previously with broilers and turkeys. This study will measure brain activity, physiological (core body temperature, stress hormones, and blood chemistry) along with environmental temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 parameters in the chamber environment and in a floor pen setting. Data will be used to compare all three methods to determine if a difference for time to death exists. Results could potentially optimize the time-to-death for VSDH+Rh depopulation and provide guidance for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) depopulation decision tree future modifications and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) depopulation recommendations.

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Evaluating the Impact of Increased Humidity and Heat with Ventilation Shutdown for Depopulation of Laying Hens During a Foreign Animal Disease Outbreak

United States Poultry & Egg Association(11/01/21 - 3/01/23)

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Evaluating the Impact of Increased Humidity and Heat with Ventilation Shutdown for Depopulation of Laying Hens During a Foreign Animal Disease Outbreak

Sponsor: United States Poultry & Egg Association

Start Date: 11/01/21

End Date: 3/01/23

Abstract

Research recently conducted at North Carolina State University has demonstrated that ventilation shutdown with supplemental heat (VSDH) is effective as a potential method for the depopulation of caged laying hens during an FAD. The environmental and physiological impacts on egg-laying hens, has been documented in comparison to VSD and VSD+CO2. Brain activity indicates that laying hens are unconscious throughout VSD and VSDH most of the time. Based on the findings with the initial studies with laying hens it appears that the humidity plays an important role by exacerbating the inability of hens to dissipate core body heat through evaporative heat loss, which extends the time to death significantly. Humidity builds slowly in the chamber with VSDH due to increase in moisture holding capacity of air with temperatures. This extends the time to death causing greater stress on the hens. We propose to enhance the VSDH process by injecting humidity into the chamber as the heat increases, thereby reducing the time in which the hens reach lethal hyperthermia. By enhancing this process it is theorized that the time to death would be significantly reduced. We propose to evaluate VSDH, VSDH+Rh, and VSDCO2 for depopulating laying hens through assessment of environmental parameters, behavior, and stress physiology utilizing the same experimental protocols conducted previously with laying hens. This study will be performed in treatment chambers designed to measure brain activity, physiological (core body temperature, stress hormones, and blood chemistry) and environmental (temperature, relative humidity, and CO2) parameters in individual birds. The data gathered from these hens will allow for the comparison of all three methods to determine if a difference for time to death exists with the injection of humidity. This would have the potential of elevating the VSDH+ depopulation method higher in the APHIS depopulation decision tree in an emergency situation.

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Optimizing Greenhouse Drying of Swine Lagoon Sludge to Support Implementation in NC and VA

Virginia Pork Council(4/15/21 - 10/14/23)

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Optimizing Greenhouse Drying of Swine Lagoon Sludge to Support Implementation in NC and VA

Sponsor: Virginia Pork Council

Start Date: 4/15/21

End Date: 10/14/23

Abstract

This project addresses a critical need to swine producers using anaerobic lagoons. This need is sludge processing and off-farm export. Sludge has a high phosphorus-to-nitrogen ratio (P: N), making it a more challenging product to utilize. Moreover, high concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the sludge can negatively impact receiving fields and crops if applied on a nitrogen-basis. Reducing water content in sludge is a critical challenge facing sludge utilization. Water removal (drying) is an energy intensive process that can require large capital investment. Commercial dryers are an expensive option for swine sludge drying. Solar dryers, on the other hand, represent a class of promising drying technologies that can be leveraged to reduce sludge water without a significant capital/operating cost. This study aims to assess greenhouse drying systems used to dry swine lagoon sludge and provide design recommendations to operators to optimize performance.

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Identification of early indicators of Necrotic enteritis disease in broiler chickens

United States Poultry & Egg Association(9/01/21 - 5/01/23)

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Identification of early indicators of Necrotic enteritis disease in broiler chickens

Sponsor: United States Poultry & Egg Association

Start Date: 9/01/21

End Date: 5/01/23

Abstract

Problem: In this age of ‘no antibiotic ever’ farming, the re-emerging Necrotic enteritis (NE) disease caused by Clostridium perfringens have posed a major economically important health concern in poultry, particularly in the broiler population. Identifying early-stage indicators of NE can help initiate prompt disease control measures, thus enabling judicious use of antibiotics on the broiler farms. Research has shown a significant correlation between the pattern and concentrations of specific class of volatile organic compounds (VOC) such as reduced Sulphur compounds (RSC) and the occurrence of various enteric diseases. With the aid of USPOULTRY funding, we have previously developed a portable low-cost sensor system for measuring ammonia in poultry houses. Here, we propose to identify early-stage NE-specific VOC, specifically RSC in the air, as physiological markers of NE development. Furthermore, our findings will be applied for developing a method suitable for identifying rapid and reliable NE detection precision tech-tools. Objective : To identify specific VOC/ RSC patterns associated with early NE stages and develop a method suitable for devising rapid and reliable precision-based air-analysis tools. Approach: We will first reproduce NE in broilers using an experimental C. perfringens challenge model. Next, the subtle changes in the air VOC, including RSC composition during different stages of NE disease progression will be evaluated using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technique and identify specific VOC pattern associated with the early stages of NE. Finally, we will validate GC-MS method findings with precision portable handheld VOC sensor devices. Industry value: The proposed work aims to identify specific VOC/RSC patterns associated with early stages C. perfringens infections with high reliability and thus, aid in developing an effective sensor-based platform for rapid detection of NE. This work is industry application oriented such that our science and technology interface would yield value-added means for the poultry producers to use in empowering them to grow chickens with no or judicious use of on-farm antibiotics.

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Miscanthus Biochar Potential as A Poultry Litter Amendment

NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services(3/31/21 - 9/30/23)

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Miscanthus Biochar Potential as A Poultry Litter Amendment

Sponsor: NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

Start Date: 3/31/21

End Date: 9/30/23

Abstract

The goal of this project is to identify a valuable use for bioenergy bioenergy byproduct (biochar) within the NC poultry sector. Such use can improve the economic outlook of miscanthus adoption as well as its utilization in bioenergy generation. As such, this project aims at assessing the benefits of using miscanthus-derived biochar as a poultry litter additive. Poultry litter additives are typically used to reduce litter ammonia concentration, as well as control pathogenic microorganisms and reduce pests which, without intervention, can reduce poultry productivity and welfare. Currently, the industry relies on commercial treatment additives, such as alum or PLT ®, which can be a significant cost to production and require repeated additions to maintain benefits. This project aims at assessing the impact of biochar production conditions and treatment on ammonia emissions from broiler litter.

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Demonstration of a Low-Cost Engineered Windbreak Wall-Vegetative Strip System for Reducing Odor Emissions from Livestock Barns

NC Department of Justice (NCDOJ)(1/01/21 - 12/31/23)

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Demonstration of a Low-Cost Engineered Windbreak Wall-Vegetative Strip System for Reducing Odor Emissions from Livestock Barns

Sponsor: NC Department of Justice (NCDOJ)

Start Date: 1/01/21

End Date: 12/31/23

Abstract

North Carolina is the biggest producer of confined livestock, poultry and swine. While confined livestock production is economically efficient, it can have substantial environmental impacts, on soil, water, and air qualities. Emissions from livestock barns have significant impacts on the environment, public health, and quality of life, particularly, due to odors. Odor emission have resulted in multiple lawsuits and judgments against the NC swine industry, that have the potential to damage the sustainability of the swine industry and perhaps, poultry industry. This may even damage NC's agricultural economy. The low-cost windbreak wall - vegetative strip system has been shown to reduce odor emissions by nearly 80% 10 m in front of swine and poultry house fans. The system comprises of a mosquito screen covering all the exhaust fans framed with dimension lumber. A 30-cm opening under the front screen prevents excessive pressure rise and is screened by a strip of switchgrass that traps dust and absorbs odorous gases. The system reduces exhaust emissions through the front screen and increases emissions through the top and sides, and thus improves dilution and reduce horizontal odor transport. Since dust transports odorous gases, the system also reduces odor emissions by trapping dust. The system also reduces water pollution by reducing dust collection in drainage swales between barns that can be transported into receiving waters. We propose to demonstrate the system in a swine and broiler barn to stakeholders to increase the use and adoption of this low-cost system to reduce odor emissions and increase sustainability of confined livestock production in NC.

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Investigating Lagoon Sludge Management and Drying Impacts and Opportunities

Smithfield Foods, Inc.(5/01/20 - 10/15/21)

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Investigating Lagoon Sludge Management and Drying Impacts and Opportunities

Sponsor: Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Start Date: 5/01/20

End Date: 10/15/21

Abstract

Swine lagoon sludge is a nutrient-rich resource that requires frequent removal and sustainable use to minimize any adverse environmental impacts. This works scope will investigate two key work scopes: (1) impact of lagoon sludge level on irrigation frequency and nutrient composition of lagoon supernatant, and (2) compare technical and economic performance of industrial drying systems that can be adopted in NC to dry lagoon sludge.

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Using Electrostatic Precipitator to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Cage-Free Layer Houses

United States Poultry & Egg Association(8/01/20 - 4/01/23)

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Using Electrostatic Precipitator to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Cage-Free Layer Houses

Sponsor: United States Poultry & Egg Association

Start Date: 8/01/20

End Date: 4/01/23

Abstract

Due to regulations and animal welfare concerns, cage-free (CF) egg production is expected to greatly increase. Because CF egg layers have access to litter, conditions in the barn are very dusty which affects bird health and performance as well as the health of the workers. Liquid spraying has been tested to control dust but it can increase ammonia levels and make the floor eggs dirty. We propose to use a recirculating air-cleaner that uses electrostatic precipitation (EP) to reduce dust (hence, dust-bound ammonia) levels. The trapped dust will be collected using a timer-operated mechanical rapper in a garbage bag. The EP air cleaner will be tested in a CF layer house in Orange County for 6 months. Once every week, the EP cleaner's removal efficiency for heterotrophic bacteria, total fungi, and ammonia will be measured. It is expected that a commercial CF layer house with 17,000 birds will require seven such units.

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