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Laying Hen Excreta as a Ruminant Feedstuff II. Preservation and Acceptability of Wet Excreta by Sheep¹

University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Can.^,4

Abstract

For experiment 1, fresh excreta from hens receiving a high plane of nutrition diet was oven-dried to final dry matter (DM) levels of approximately 50, 70 and 80%. Aliquots from each DM level were treated with 0, 1.0, 1.5 or 2% propionic acid (w/w, as is basis). Analysis at 30-day intervals revealed progressive nitrogen losses in samples not containing the preservative and in all samples at 50% DM

For experiment 2, two 6 x 6 latin square design trials were conducted to estimate the effects of composition and the effects of additives on the acceptability of hen excreta by sheep. In trial 1, ewes were offered fresh, unprocessed excreta from hens receiving high (HPN-excreta) or low plane of nutrition (LPN-excreta) diets which was untreated, or treated by adding 1% propionic acid or 2% molasses (w/w). In trial 2, wethers were offered the same six variations of excreta that had been processed by freeze drying. In both trials, sheep were given separate access to corn silage in excess of their energy maintenance requirement. Results from trial 1 indicated that the ewes preferred the unprocessed LPN over the HPN-excreta, and that intakes of both sources of waste were stimulated by the addition of molasses and propionic acid, with propionic acid being the most effective. Trials 2 results showed that sheep had no preference due to the source of manure after freeze drying. The molasses additive was effective in increasing intake, and the propionic acid was not. Intakes from both trials for all treatments provided crude protein and minerals in excess of stated requirements.

¹ This research was supported by operating grants from the National Research Council of Canada (A-4945) and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (A-04-636).

² Canada Packers Limited, Research and Development Center, Toronto, Ontario, Can., M6N 1K4.

³ Bowmanville Veterinary Clinic, Bowmanville, Ontario, Can.

⁴ Department of Animal and Poultry Science.