The present invention relates to the use of at least one oxidizing biocide in a livestock housing and other areas in which animals are maintained for reducing urease activity and/or ammonia emission, during a prolonged period of time, wherein the at least one oxidizing biocide is preferably chosen from the group consisting of peracetic acid and electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW). The invention also relates to a device comprising a manure scraper or robot system, a reservoir containing at least one oxidizing biocide, and a sprayer for spraying the at least one oxidizing biocide, as well as a livestock housing (or other animal containing area) having a floor (or a surface), wherein the floor is in combination with at least one oxidizing biocide.
