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Reduction in Manure Weight and Volume Using an In-House Layer Manure Composition System Under Field Conditions

Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602

W. C. Merka and A. B. Webster

Department of Poultry Science, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602

Correspondence: S. A. Thompson

Many of the problems that have currently beset the commercial egg layer industry have arisen because of methods of handling the manure output from large flocks. Alternative techniques for handling of animal manure within animal production facilities will need to be developed to satisfy current and future zoning and environmental criteria placed on these types of operations. This paper discusses tests conducted in a commercial, naturally ventilated, high-rise layer house that involved an in- house deep litter manure management system. Layers at commercial densities deposited their manure onto stacked litter materials located directly beneath the cages. Regular turning of the litter facilitated composting within the layer house, resulting in a reduction of manure volume and weight. In the full-scale house, the deep litter system produced a 39% reduction in manure weight and a 37% reduction in manure volume over that of deep stacked raw manure. The compost at the end of these tests had a dry basis nutrient density of approximately 2% N, 8.5% P₂O₅, and 5.5% K₂O. The compost had a decreased moisture content, improved handling properties, and less odor than raw manure.

Key Words: Commercial layers • in-house composting • manure