Effect of livestock waste on the environment

Livestock and poultry industries produce meat, milk and egg, and also generate large volumes of waste water and solid wastes that could be beneficial or harmful to the environment. The waste products which includes livestock or poultry excreta and associated feed losses, beddings, wash -water and other such waste materials represent a valuable resource that if used wisely, can replace significant amounts of inorganic fertilizers, Animal wastes are generally associated with health risk to humans and animals if not properly managed. There is a pressing need therefore, for a holistic research into effective strategies and techniques in utilizing livestock waste tailored towards the development of sustainable environmental friendly livestock production systems. It is believed that such system(s) will ensure its sustainable use as organic manure, non-conventional feedstuff, a source of biogas as well as reduce its environmental impacts (air and water pollution, ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions) on human and animal health. The objective of this paper was to review the animal production trend, animal waste management and utilization, and its environmental/health implication.