Swine production in deep bedding appeared as an alternative to the excessive use of water in the activity, however the problem of emission of pollutant gases appeared, mainly ammonia. This research aimed at evaluating the amount of ammonia emitted by wood shavings and rice husks deep beds and concrete floor, compared to acceptable levels for swine production in beds, during December 2002 to April 2003, in Concórdia, Santa Catarina State. Three constructions with dimensions of 12.0 x 10.0 m, divided in 4 boxes with 5.0 x 6.0 m were used, each with a total of 216 animals (Landrace X Large White). The evaluation of air quality was based on the quantification of the ammonia emission, daily measurements, at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The wood shaving bed presented better efficiency in the absorption of the wastes compared to the rice husk, which presented the lowest values of ammonia emission. In the concrete floor the highest values were observed for the gas. As such, the wood shaving bed is indicated as the most appropriate for the swine production in summer conditions for the South of Brazil. For the statistical analysis an entirely randomized experimental design, with 4 replicates for each treatment was used.
wood shavings; rice husks; gases
