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In-House Composting in High-Rise Layer Facilities

Cooperative Extension Service, Utah State University, 51 South University Avenue, Provo, UT 84601

Richard T. Koenig

Department of Plants, Soils and Biometeorology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-4820; Phone: (435) 797-2278; FAX: (435) 797-3376

Bruce E. Miller

Agriculture Systems Technology and Education Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-2300

Correspondence: Richard T. Koenig, E-mail:richk{at}ext.usu.edu

In-house composting of poultry manure in high-rise layer facilities may solve both fly control and manure disposal problems faced by egg producers. Layer and pullet manure was composted in high-rise facilities with various turning frequencies and sources and rates of carbon addition. Temperatures exceeding the lethal limit for flies (43°C) were achieved with both wheat straw and sawdust, and with rates of carbon and carbon to nitrogen ratios lower than recommended for traditional composting systems. In-house composted material continued to heat when removed from facilities, indicating that complete composting did not occur indoors. Frequent turning was critical to maintain high composting temperatures with layer manure. In-house composting with pullet manure was unsuccessful; because of its high moisture content, it failed to reach lethal temperatures even when more frequent turning schedules and higher rates of carbon were used than for layer manure.

Key Words: Fly control • in-house composting • layer • manure • moisture • pullet • temperature