Mindy Spiehs

mindy.spiehs@ars.usda.gov

Phone: (402) 762-4271

Research Animal Scientist

PhD University of Minnesota, St. Paul

Waste Management

Dr. Mindy Spiehs is a Research Animal Scientist evaluating effects of environmental factors on odor and nutrient excretion in livestock waste. Agricultural odors present an increasingly difficult and pressing problem for feedlot producers. Diet, housing, bedding material, and other management factors influence odor production and nutrient concentration in livestock waste.   Feeding practices that influence the excretion of starch, crude protein, sulfur, and other odorous compounds by cattle may significantly affect the production of odor from cattle feedlots. Diet may also influence the concentration of environmentally active form(s) of phosphorus in the waste.

 There is a growing interest in construction of deep-bedded confinement facilities in the cattle feeding industry. However, the effect of deep-bedded confinement feedlots on odor and greenhouse gas emissions has not been studied. This information is vital to developing effective management tools to decrease environmental impacts of modern livestock production. A better understanding of how these various factors interact will aid in developing cost-effective solutions for management of beef cattle feedlots.