unce, reno, nev. caring for your animals developed by: holly george and susie kocher university of...

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UNCE, Reno, Nev.

Caring for Your AnimalsCaring for Your Animals

Developed by: Developed by: Holly George and Susie KocherHolly George and Susie KocherUniversity of California ExtensionUniversity of California ExtensionBob Hamblen, Colorado State University Cooperative ExtensionBob Hamblen, Colorado State University Cooperative ExtensionBruce Miller, Utah State UniversityBruce Miller, Utah State UniversityMelody Hefner, University of Nevada Cooperative ExtensionMelody Hefner, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension

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We’ll be coveringWe’ll be covering

Animal digestive systemsAnimal nutritional needsHay qualityFeed and forage production versus animal needsHealth care and safety issuesManure management

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The four digestive systemsThe four digestive systemsRuminant

Pseudo-ruminants

Nonruminant herbivore

Monogastric

servicemeansnet/pukite

www.usda.gov

www.usda.gov

UNCE

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Ruminants Ruminants (cows, goats, sheep, elk, deer and bison)(cows, goats, sheep, elk, deer and bison)

Have no upper incisors or canine teethHave four stomach compartmentsStomach has more space and microorganismsCan synthesize essential amino acidsCan break down cellulose into volatile fatty acids (VFAs)

Beginning Sheperd’s Manual by Barbara Smith

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Ruminant biologyRuminant biology

Complex, multi-chambered stomach ferments feed

Microorganisms in stomach convert plant cells into usable energy

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The rumen advantageThe rumen advantage

Animals with rumens can obtain more energy from plant materials than those without rumens because of the fermentation process.

www.usda.gov

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Pseudo-ruminantsPseudo-ruminantsLlamas, alpacas

Three-chambered stomach system

No rumen, but chew their cud and digest feedstuffs via fermentation and microbial action.

alpacainfo.com

Nonruminant herbivores: horse, rabbit, guinea pig and hamster

UNCE, Reno, Nev.

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HorsesHorsesDigestive system and nutrient requirements are more similar to a pig than to a cowCompared to cows, horses need less roughage, more and higher quality protein and added B vitaminsWhere no pasture is available, a 1,000-pound horse will consume about 25 lbs/day of hay and grain, or about 4.6 tons per year

UNCE

UNCE, Reno, Nev.

Special challenges of horsesSpecial challenges of horses

Formation of bones

Irregular use and/or strenuous exercise

UNCE, Reno, Nev.

Special challenges of horsesSpecial challenges of horses

For increased energy requirements, decrease roughage and increase grain

Limited protein synthesis and poor absorption means that they must be fed high quality proteinwww.holisticvetpetcare.com

Monogastric (simple-stomached)Monogastric (simple-stomached)

www.usda.gov

Simplest of all digestive systems

Limited capacity, limited microbial action and fiber digestion

Better adapted to concentrated feeds such as grains and meats than to roughages

Single-stomached animals include pigs, birds, fish, dogs, and humans

A. Miller

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Swine factsSwine facts

Pigs are the cleanest domestic farm animal Given a reasonable amount of space in their pen or pasture, they will select a particular area for manure and not foul their own nest

servicemeansnet/pukite

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Avian digestive systemAvian digestive systemThe digestive system of poultry differs considerably from other monogastrics as they have no teeth

Digestion in the fowl is rapid 2½ hours in laying

hens 8 to 12 hours in non-

laying hens

www.usda.gov

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Exotic birdsExotic birdsRatites Ostrich, emu, rhea

Game birds Pheasant,

sagehen, quail, chukkar, doves

Nutritional needs similar to poultry

UNCE, Reno, Nev.

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Digestive tract capacitiesDigestive tract capacities

Animal Gallons

Cattle 94

Sheep or goat 12

Horse 56

Pig 7.2

Humans 1.6

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Nutritional needs of animalsNutritional needs of animals

Water

Energy

Protein

Minerals

VitaminsNRCS, Bozeman, Mont.

Water needsWater needsVary by animal size, reproductive status and weather

Average amounts: Beef cow or horse: 12

gallons/day Pig: 8 gallons/day Llama: 5 gallons/day Sheep or goat: 4 gallons/day

Amounts needed may double on hot days

USDA NRCS

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Energy: Energy: carbohydrates and fatscarbohydrates and fats

Grains

Alfalfa hay

Silage

Pasture and grass hay

NRCS, Bozeman, Mont.

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Energy from feedEnergy from feed

Depends on digestive tract

Total digestible nutrients (TDN) is a measure of usable energy in a feed for a given species

www.farmphoto.com

Digestibility of feedstuff by speciesDigestibility of feedstuff by species

Feedstuff Nonruminant Ruminant

Alfalfa 20-30% 40-60%

Grass 0-20% 48-90%

Straw (non- ammoniated)

Negligible 40-60%

Soybean meal 40% 90-95%

Cottonseed meal 0-10% 50%

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ProteinProtein

Most expensive nutrientProteins contain amino acids, the building blocks for muscle, hair, etc.Quantity of protein fed is more important than quality for ruminantsNonruminants require higher-quality protein sources

Crude protein and stage of growthCrude protein and stage of growth

Crop Stage of GrowthCrude Protein

(percent)

Alfalfa Early bloom 18

Alfalfa Full bloom 14

Oat hay 9.2

Oat straw 4.4

Wheat hay Boot 18

Wheat hay Full bloom 8.5

Timothy hay Mid-bloom 8.5

Sagebrush Mature 6

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MineralsMinerals

Supplement choices: Mineral block Feed additive Water additive

www.cgiar.org

USDA NRCS

Mineral requirements vary by:Mineral requirements vary by:

SpeciesBreedAge, sex and growth rateNature and rate of reproductionLactationLevel and chemical form ingestedOverall balance and adequacy of dietHormonal and other physiological activities within the animalClimate

www.ewe.uk.com

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VitaminsVitamins

Required in small amounts

Essential for metabolism

NOT normally synthesized by the body

Two types: Fat soluble – A, D, E, K Water soluble – B, C

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  Vitamins for ruminantsVitamins for ruminantsRuminants produce some, but not all, of their own vitamins

Most ruminants make B, K, and C

Ruminants need A, D, and E in their diet Can convert A from beta carotene if provided

with good quality feed Can store enough A for four to six months on a

vitamin A-deficient diet Can make enough vitamin D if kept in the sun A and E are found in leafy green forages

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www.ewe.uk.com

http://services.means.net/pukite/pig

Nutrient requirements depend on:Nutrient requirements depend on:

Animal’s digestive system

Climate and season of year

Desired gain

Work performance

Production stage (breeding, pregnant, lactating, growing, dry)

Breed

What do What do youryour animals need? animals need?

http://servicemeansnet and www.usda.gov

Nutrient requirementsNutrient requirements

Animal Species

Water (gal/day)

Protein (percent)

Energy (Mcal/day)

Beef Cow 12 8-16 10.25

Swine 1 gal/100 lbs 12-18 0.69/lb

Horse 12 7-13 16

Sheep 1-3 10-14 2.68

Goats 1-3 10-14 3.3

Poultry 0.1 16-22 1.3/lb

Rabbits 0.06-0.12 12-18 954 cal/lb

Specific needs: horsesSpecific needs: horses

Water 12 gallons/day

Protein 7 to 13% of their diet

Energy1.5 to 3.0% of body weight; at least 1% of body weight as forage (roughage)

VitaminsSupplemental A and E if fed a hay diet for an extended period

Minerals

Ca to P ratios of 1.5:1 to 2:1; salt with trace minerals; check with local producers and consumers to identify any local mineral deficiencies in your area

Beef cattleBeef cattleWater

1.5 gallons per each 100 pounds of body weight

Protein 8 to 16% of their diet

Energy22 to 28 pounds of dry matter per day (or equivalent fresh material) with a fiber level of 30 to 70%

Vitamins Generally must supplement A and E

MineralsCa to P ratios of 1.5:1 to 2:1; salt with trace minerals

FatsLess than 5%; fats interfere with rumen function

Dairy cattleDairy cattle

Water1.5 gallons per each 100 pounds of body weight

Protein 8 to 16% of their diet

Energy1.4% to 2.4% of body weight, dry matter forage

Vitamins Generally must supplement A and E

MineralsCa to P ratios of 1.5:1 to 2:1; salt with trace minerals; monitor copper, zinc, selenium, cobalt and iodine levels

FatsLess than 5%; fats interfere with rumen function

Meat goatsMeat goats

Water1 to 1.5 gallons per day average, double for lactating females

Protein 10 to 14% of their diet

Energy

2 to 4% of body weight. Need a minimum of 0.5 to 1.0 pound of roughage per day to keep rumen functioning. Can add grain as supplement.

Vitamins May need to supplement A and E

MineralsCa to P ratios of 2:1; copper, zinc, and selenium are likely to be low

FatsLess than 5%; fats interfere with rumen function

Dairy goatsDairy goats

Water1 to 1.5 gallons per day average, double for lactating females

Protein 10 to 14% of their diet

Energy

2 to 4% of body weight. Need a minimum of 0.5 to 1.0 pound of roughage per day to keep rumen functioning. Can add grain as supplement.

Vitamins May need to supplement A and E

MineralsCa to P ratios of 2:1; copper, zinc, and selenium are likely to be low

FatsLess than 5%; fats interfere with rumen function

SheepSheep

Water1 to 1.5 gallons per day average, double for lactating females

Protein 10 to 14% of their diet

Energy

2 to 4% of body weight. Need a minimum of 0.5 to 1.0 pound of roughage per day to keep rumen functioning. Can add grain as supplement.

Vitamins May need to supplement A and E

Minerals

Ca to P ratios of 2:1; zinc and selenium are likely to be low. Copper levels must be monitored as sheep are susceptible to copper toxicity.

FatsLess than 5%; fats interfere with rumen function

Llamas and alpacasLlamas and alpacas

Water1 gallon per 100 lbs of body weight per day

Protein8 to 14% of their diet; depends on life stage

Energy 1.5 to 2.2% of body weight per day

VitaminsNeed to supplement E; may also need to supplement A

MineralsCa:P ratio of 1.5:1 to 2:1; zinc and selenium are likely to be needed; susceptible to copper toxicity, like sheep

UNCE, Reno, Nev.

SwineSwine

Water 1 to 5 gallons per day

Protein 12 to 18% of their diet

Energy 3 to 6% of body weight per day

Vitamins

Make vitamin C and some of the B vitamins; will need to supplement A, D, E, K, B-series, and other water soluble vitamins

MineralsSodium & chloride (salt), calcium, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc, iodine, selenium

USDA NRCS

PoultryPoultryWater 1 gallon per 10 chickens per day

Protein 16 to 22% of their diet

EnergyNeeds vary with age; layer hens require 1/4 pound of complete ration per day. Chickens can not digest cellulose.

Vitamins

Need A, E, K, B series, C, choline, folic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid; most are included in balanced ration. Vitamin D is produced in the skin if the birds have access to sunlight.

Minerals

Ca:P ratios of 2:1 for meat birds and 8:1 for laying hens; also require salt and trace amounts of iodine, iron, manganese and zinc

Poultry: for meat or eggs?Poultry: for meat or eggs?A laying ration provides two times more vitamin A, 2½ times more vitamin D and at least 3 times more calcium

A mature, lightweight bird will eat about 1/4 pound of feed daily, or 90 lbs/year, while producing about 240+ eggs each year

Broilers can gain 2 pounds for each pound of feed eaten

L. Allen, Nev.

Exotic birdsExotic birds

Water 1 to 3 gallons per day

Protein 16 to 22% of their diet

Energy1 to 2.5% of body weight in dry forage per day; 16% fiber

VitaminsAll but C probably need to be supplemented

Minerals

Ca:P ratios of 2:1, layers need more calcium. Sodium, copper, zinc, manganese, iron and iodine are also required.

RabbitsRabbits

Water 8 to 16 ounces per day

Protein 12 to 18% of their diet

EnergyVaries by breed, age, and gender; feed must contain 16% fiber for proper intestinal system function

VitaminsGenerally, none required if using a complete formulated feed

MineralsGenerally, none required if using a complete formulated feed

www.flicker.com

Let’s talk hayLet’s talk hay

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What determines hay quality?What determines hay quality?

Type of hay (alfalfa vs. grass)Stage of plant maturity and leafinessHow well it dried after being cutForeign material present (weeds, wire, etc.)Storage & handling

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You be the judge!You be the judge!

ColorLeafinessMaturityTextureOdorForeign material

Hay judging notesHay judging notes

Sample 1

Sample 2

Sample 3

Sample 4

Color

Leafiness

Odor

Maturity

Texture

Foreign Material

Ranking

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Your land’s feed/forage potentialYour land’s feed/forage potential

Depends on whether you plan to graze animals or produce crops to feed animals

NRCS, Bozeman, Mont. www.usda.gov

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Learn the termsLearn the terms

Feed: provided to animals Measured in tons per acre

Forage: consumed by grazing Measured by Animal Unit Month (AUM) 1 AUM = the amount consumed by a

1,000-pound animal in one month

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How much feed do you need?How much feed do you need?FEED (Hay)

Tons/ Month

FORAGE

AUMS / month

1 cow 0.4 1.0

1 horse 0.5 1.25

1 sheep 0.1 0.2

1 llama 0.15 0.3

1 goat 0.1 0.2

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Calculating forage productionCalculating forage production

Amount produced depends on: Soil fertility Irrigation Grazing management Length of growing

season

www.farmpicture.com

www.usda.gov

Annual feed and forage productionAnnual feed and forage production

FERTILE SOILS POOR SOILS

FEED

(Hay in tons/acre

/ year)

FORAGE (AUMs/

acre/year)

FEED

(Hay in tons/acre/

year)

FORAGE (AUMs/

acre/year)

Irrigated 2-4 3-4 < 2 1-2

Non-irrigated

1-2 1-2 0.5 or less 0.5

Range/ Woodland

1 0.5 0.5 or less 0.25

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Balancing feed and forage Balancing feed and forage requirements with your land requirements with your land

productivityproductivity

Seasonal forage availabilitySeasonal forage availabilityJan Feb

March

April

May

JuneJuly

August

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

UCCE

Cow seasonal energy requirementsCow seasonal energy requirements

UCCE

Late Lactation(180 days)

Birth

Peak Lactation (45 days)

Breeding

Lactation(145 days)

Weaning

Begin Last

Trimester

45 days to Birth

Forage quality versus quantityForage quality versus quantity

High quality pasture

Low quality pasture

Daily requirement of high quality

forage

Daily requirement of low quality

forage

Nutrient intake of low quality

forage

Half the quality X half the consumption =one-quarter the nutrition

UCCE

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Providing nutrition year-roundProviding nutrition year-round

Purchase feed

Improve pasture production

Grow feed instead of, or in addition to, forage

USDA NRCS

The “normal” animalThe “normal” animal

Attitude and behavior are the first and most-visible indicators of an animal’s health. Be observant!

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Nutrition and healthNutrition and healthWell-fed animals in good condition are healthier and more resistant to disease

Two categories of disease: Infectious (“to put into”)- caused by

parasites, fungi, bacteria, viruses, protozoa

Noninfectious – results from issues such as nutritional deficiencies, metabolic disorders, trauma, congenital defects & toxic materials

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Preventive healthcare for animalsPreventive healthcare for animals    

Consult a local veterinarianMaintain schedules of vaccinationsKeep complete recordsQuarantine new animals

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What about vaccinations?What about vaccinations?

Consult a local veterinarian for adviceFollow state or local regulationsTake into account the prevalence of disease in your areaConsider the effectiveness of the vaccine or bacterinCost of the vaccineAdverse reactions

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Adherence to drug labelsAdherence to drug labels

Follow veterinarian recommendations

Follow label requirements

Make sure drug is species-specific

Keep records

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Additional preventive careAdditional preventive care

Parasites Internal External

USDA-ARS

Parasites…beef as an exampleParasites…beef as an exampleWorms Lice Grubs

SymptomsDiarrhea

Blood in urine Weight loss

Scratching

Loss of blood

Look like marbles under the skin on animal’s back

How it spreads to other animals

Eggs in manure spread to grass or eggs in drinking water

Direct contact with other animals

Heel fly lays eggs on lower legs

Treatment or control measures

Dewormers: bolus, paste, drenches and injectables

Spray, clips, liquid pour-on dusts, rubbers, injectables

Sprays, dips, liquid pour-on, injections

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Do your animals have access Do your animals have access

to any of these? to any of these? Toxic plants

Toxic bedding

Moldy hay or grain

Trash

Lawn clippings

Pesticideswww.aphis.usda.gov

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Some plants may be toxicSome plants may be toxicSome are poisonous in some seasons onlySome affect certain species and not othersMost cause specific physiological symptoms

Poison hemlock

http://cal.vet.upenn.edu

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Symptoms caused by toxic Symptoms caused by toxic plantsplants

Gastrointestinal

Nervous system

Respiratory system

Skin

Reproductive system

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Cause nervousness or Cause nervousness or excitabilityexcitability

Arrowgrass

Bracken fern (horses)

Chokecherry

Larkspur

Locoweed

Lupine

Poison hemlock

Lupine

Locoweed cal.vet.upenn.edu

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Other tips for animal safetyOther tips for animal safety

Toxic plants

Toxic bedding

Moldy hay or grain

Trash

Lawn clippings

Pesticideswww.farmphoto.com

Other tips for animal safetyOther tips for animal safety

Toxic plants

Toxic bedding

Moldy hay or grain

Trash

Lawn clippings

Pesticides USDA NRCS

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Other tips for animal safetyOther tips for animal safety

Toxic plantsToxic bedding Moldy hay or grainTrashLawn clippingsPesticides

www.farmpicture.com

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Other tips for animal safetyOther tips for animal safety

Toxic plants

Toxic bedding

Moldy hay or grain

Trash

Lawn clippings

PesticidesUSDA NRCS

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Other tips for animal safetyOther tips for animal safety

Toxic plants

Toxic bedding

Moldy hay or grain

Trash

Lawn clippings

Pesticides

www.farmpicture.com

Dispose of dead Dispose of dead animals properlyanimals properly

http://defendingfarmanimals

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Caring for your animalsCaring for your animals

Provide good quality nutrients year-roundEstablish a preventive healthcare programImplement health care and safety measures

www.ars.usda.gov

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UNCE, Reno, Nev.

What impacts What impacts can animals can animals

cause?cause?

manure

What What parts of parts of animals animals cause cause

impacts?impacts?hooves

A. Miller

mouths

bodies

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Impacts from hoovesImpacts from hooves

On pastures Compaction Trails Reduced

productivity

On stream banks Trampling Erosion Pollution

UNCE, Reno, Nev.

Impacts from mouthsImpacts from mouths

Overgrazing plants can weaken their root structure; plants don’t recover

Pasture productivity decreases

Soil erosion increases

www.farmphoto.com

UNCE, Reno, Nev.

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Impacts from bodiesImpacts from bodiesObjects in the pasture are damaged Trees, posts, irrigation works, fences

Weed seeds and pests are transported

UCCE

UNCE, Reno, Nev.

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Impacts from manureImpacts from manure

Polluted runoff

Odor

Dust

Insects and parasites

UNCE, Reno, Nev.

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How to avoid impacts?How to avoid impacts?

Good grazing management avoids hoof and mouth impacts

Good facility design avoids animal body impacts

www.usda.gov

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Good manure managementGood manure management

Keeps livestock healthy

Returns nutrients to the soil

Improves pastures and gardens

Protects the environment

OSU Extension Service

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Poor manure managementPoor manure managementLivestock become sickConditions are unsanitaryNeighbors complainInsect and parasite populations increaseEnvironment is harmed

USU, Logan, UT

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How much manure do How much manure do animals produce?animals produce?

How much manure do you think two horses kept in a small stable for three months in the winter will produce? www.usda.gov

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TonsTons of horse manure! of horse manure!

2 horses, 1,000 pounds each WEIGHT: 50 lbs/day X 2 = 100 pounds VOLUME: 0 .81 cubic feet/day

WEIGHT: 50 lbs/day X 30 days/month x 3 months = 4,500 pounds of manure

VOLUME: 0.81 cu ft/day X 30 days/month x 3 months = 73 cubic feet of manure

How much manure will How much manure will your animals produce?your animals produce?

AnimalVolume (cu ft/day)

Weight (lbs/day)

Moisture (percent)

Beef 1.02 63 88

Ducks 0.73 46 75

Goats 0.63 40 75

Horse 0.81 50 78

Sheep 0.63 40 75

Amounts produced per 1,000 pounds of each type of animal

Nutrient value of manures Nutrient value of manures

AnimalN

(lbs/ton)

P2O5

(lbs/ton)

K2O

(lbs/ton)

Beef 11.3 8.4 9.5

Chicken 27.3 23.5 13.2

Goat 22.0 5.4 15.1

Horse 12.1 4.6 9.0

Sheep 22.5 7.6 19.5

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Manure can be a resourceManure can be a resource

Livestock remove nutrients from land while grazing

Returning manure to soil promotes soil fertility and plant growth

Important nutrients Nitrogen (N) Potassium (K or K2O)

Phosphorus (P2O5)USDA NRCS

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Can I use all my manure?Can I use all my manure?

How much will you have?

Where can you safely store or compost it?

Where can you safely incorporate it in or on your property?

whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost

How much manure is enough? How much manure is enough?

To provide annual phosphorus needs for a one-acre pasture: one 1000-pound cow one 1400-pound horse three market (150-

pounds) hogs twelve 100-pound

sheep 225 laying hens

USDA NRCS

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Effective management Effective management depends on:depends on:

Collection

Storage

Application

Removal

www.farmphoto.com

Manure collects in:Manure collects in:

Pastures

Cages

Bedded stalls or barn

Dry lots/confinement areas, paddocks, corrals or other “sacrifice areas”

UNCE, Reno, Nev.

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Pasture collectionPasture collectionRequires the least amount of effort

Natural weathering reduces volume by up to 60 %

Nutrients are directly recycled

May require occasional dragging of pasture to break up and distribute the manure

www.farmphoto.com

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Cage collectionCage collection

Small animals such as rabbits or fur animals and poultry or birdsManure drops through the cage and is removedWaste may include bedding material such as straw or wood shavings

www.rockingranch.com

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Bedded stall or barnBedded stall or barn

Horses, cattle, swine and poultry

Manure and soiled bedding are removed by manual cleaning

www.nationalhorsestalls.com

UNCE, Reno, Nev.

Dry lots, corrals or other Dry lots, corrals or other confinement areasconfinement areas

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Manure storage considerationsManure storage considerations

Distance from streams, ponds and wells

Prevailing wind direction

Slope of ground

Soil typewww.milfordanimalhospital

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Manure storage - avoiding runoffManure storage - avoiding runoffInstall buffer strips Vegetated areas

between storage and stream

Install berms or ditches Prevents water

from entering or leaving storage area

Cover manure

www.milfordanimalhospital

WSU Extension

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Composting Composting

Reduces volume

Kills parasites

Reduces weed seeds

Reduces odor

Provides slow- release fertilizer

Provides soil amendment www.farmphoto.com

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Composting requirementsComposting requirements

Oxygen

Moisture

Correct carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (30:1)

Temperature (120 to 160 F) www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov

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What do I do with the manure?What do I do with the manure?Apply it to your property

Arrange with gardeners, landscapers, or farmers to remove it Prefer composted manure

Haul it yourself Most expensive

Landfilling (bury on your property) Not recommended; expensive and potential

for runoff increases

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Tips for safe manure or Tips for safe manure or compost applicationcompost application

Maintain a minimum separation distance of 100 feet from water sources on flat groundGreater distances are needed for sloping groundKeep away from natural drainagesIncorporate as soon as possible

www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov

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Tips for safe manure or Tips for safe manure or compost applicationcompost application

Monitor the soil’s nitrogen content to avoid overapplication

Complete the composting process to prevent spreading weed seeds

Consider seasonal conditions – winter, wet conditions, etc.

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The bottom line The bottom line (no pun intended)(no pun intended)

Manage manure to maintain healthy animals and healthy land

Applying manure to your property increases the nutrient value and organic content of your soil

Managing the impacts caused by animals will improve your land, your neighbor’s land and wildlife habitat

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SummarySummaryAnimal water and feed needs vary depending on species, breed, age and reproductive cycle

Animals require preventive health care; individual requirements vary

Balancing the production of food with animal needs requires adjustments throughout the year

Develop management plans for animal impacts before they become a problem

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HomeworkHomework

Finish the Feeding Requirements Activity Sheet.Check your property for any of the safety issues discussed in this lesson.Develop a manure management plan for your property.Monitor the wildlife present on your property and make a list of nuisance wildlife that cause problems and beneficial wildlife you would like to encourage.

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