Composition and production of poultry manure

Poultry manure is not utilized to the fullest extent by poultrymen, perhaps because they do not realize its value.The nitrogen in this manure is primarily in the form of uric acid, and microorganisms readily decompose the uric acid, forming ammonia which escapes into the air.The amount of manure voided by hens and broilers is influenced by composition of the ration, environmental temperature, age, and physiological status.Some feed combinations consisting of meat and soybean meal increase the quantity of manure.The moisture content of poultry manure remains rather constant, 72-74 per cent; however, salt (NaCl), accessibility to water such as in cage operations, calcium sulfate, and some proteins can influence moisture content.Visual appearance of the manure is not an accurate index to its moisture content.The moisture in manure is in a colloidal state and a change in colloidal state can produce visual changes, with little variation in actual moisture content.When the colloidal structure of poultry manure is molested, a congealing mass is producedas results with daily use of a pit cleaner-and drying-out does not readily occur. PURPOSE OF STUDYThe purpose of this study was to (1) determine the ratio of feed con- sumption to manure production in laying hens and determine the relative water content of fresh manure in a cage-managed operation and in a loose house operation with pit roosting, feeding and watering; (2) compute and show the comparative analysis of manure produced under the two systems of management; (3) determine the dry weight increase and comparative analysis of litter during the replacement brooding period using sawdust and Zorbit litter material.