Skip to main content
ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #146466
Title: DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARD METHODS TO ESTIMATE MANURE PRODUCTION AND NUTRIENT CHARACTERISTICS FROM DAIRY CATTLE

Author
item MEYER, D - U OF CALIFORNIA-DAVIS
item HARRISON, J - WASHINGTON STATE U
item KINCAID, R - WASHINGTON STATE U
item KOELSCH, R - U OF NEBRASKA
item Mertens, David
item POWERS, W - IOWA STATE U
item WEISS, W - IOWA STATE U

Submitted to: Journal of Dairy Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/22/2003
Publication Date: 6/22/2003
Citation: Meyer, D., Harrison, J., Kincaid, R., Koelsch, R., Mertens, D.R., Powers, W., Weiss, W. 2003. Development of standard methods to estimate manure production and nutrient characteristics from dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Standard tables published by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers identify production and nutrient characteristics of manure from livestock and poultry. The column used to represent dairy animals has been modified once since 1969. The modification merged two columns: heifers and mature animals. This combined column is being used beyond its original intent with the onset of comprehensive nutrient management plans. The table values were not intended to be used to estimate nutrients available for land application. Emphasis of current regulatory trends makes it imperative to have a more precise method to estimate nutrient excretion. The objectives of the current evaluation were to expand columns in the existing table to account for variation in growth and production levels and provide reasonable estimates of manure volume and nutrient excretion. Additionally, equations were developed to provide more precise estimates of nutrient excretion on a site-specific basis. Data from published and non-published experiments were reviewed to estimate manure and nutrient excretion based on dietary parameters. Columns representing a reasonable range in milk production quantities were developed at specific dry matter intake and nutrient composition. Rows accounted for daily excretion of feces, urine, TKN, P, K, Ca, Na, Cl, S, and some micro-elements. Equations were developed for the same parameters for use by dairies where land available for nutrient application is limited or environmental considerations require more precise estimates of nutrients excreted.