Application of LED-based degradation technology for harmful substances during the growing to finishing stages in an enclosed water-curtain-type SPF pig farm

Effective cleaning and disinfection practices are essential in pig farming to prevent the spread of infectious agents. However, conventional detergents and disinfectants may leave residues that harbor microorganisms, pose toxicity risks to pigs, and negatively impact the environment. To address these concerns, this study investigated the use of a novel, non-chemical degradation technology based on light-emitting diode (LED) systems in the farrowing area of an enclosed, water-curtain-type specific pathogen-free (SPF) pig farm. New-generation hazardous-substance-reducing LED lights were installed in the facility, resulting in significant reductions in airborne bacterial counts and concentrations of harmful gases, including ammonia (NH₃) and ethylene (C₂H₄), as well as fine particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀). Laboratory-based assays further confirmed that these LED systems effectively inhibited the replication of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), highlighting their potential for disease prevention in swine production. Energy consumption analysis revealed that each 4-foot LED unit consumed only 15.8 W of electricity, in contrast to the 40 W consumed by the previously used fluorescent lights. With 54 LED units operating 9 hours daily, the annual energy saving was calculated to be 4,292.8 kWh. According to the latest national emission factor (0.494 kg CO₂e/kWh), this corresponds to an annual reduction of approximately 2.12 metric tons of carbon emissions. These findings demonstrate that hazardous-substance-reducing LED technology not only improves the hygienic and environmental conditions in pig farms but also contributes to energy conservation and carbon reduction goals. This innovation holds substantial potential for sustainable and net-zero carbon livestock farming.