Investigation of the Potential of Energy Recovery from Poultry Droppings in a Semi-Industrial Farm in the Sangalkam, Senegal

Abstract

The poultry sector has grown significantly in the recent years. Certainly, the rise in the global population, particularly in developing nations, has prompted the expansion of the poultry farm sector to fulfill the growing demand for food. The activity produces organic waste and the management of which can pose problems in the farms. Poultry farming requires energy for the production processes. It is in this context this study aims to examine the energy potential of poultry waste depending where it came from (factory farm or domestic farm). The methanogenic potential of these wastes was determined using the Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) test on poultry droppings from factory farms or domestic farms and other wastes as controls, such as cow and horse dung. The tests showed that the poultry droppings from factory farms had higher gas content and methane (CH4) than the controls. The link between biogas production and the chemical composition of the poultry droppings, was also demonstrated. These findings suggested that poultry droppings from factory farms can be used to produce biogas and/or energy. The latter can be reused for the needs of the farm itself.