HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Fontenot, J. P. Articles by Sutton, A. L. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Fontenot, J. P. Articles by Sutton, A. L.

Alternative Utilization of Animal Wastes

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061 , Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705 and Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907

Abstract

Animal wastes were regarded as valuable fertilizer resources 75 yr ago. With the advent of intensive animal production systems the wastes were regarded as pollutants and nuisances. During the past few years, again, the wastes have been recognized as valuable resources. The primary uses of animal wastes are as sources of plant nutrients (fertilizer), animal nutrients (feedstuffs) and feedstock for energy (methane) generation. The wastes are valuable sources of plant nutrients and provide organic matter which is useful to improve soil structure. Due to the usually high fiber content and frequently high levels of non-protein nitrogen, wastes are more valuable for feeding ruminants than nonruminants. Animal wastes should be processed prior to feeding to enhance palatability and destroy potential pathogens. A number of processes have been used successfully. There is minimum health hazard from feeding processed animal wastes if withdrawal periods are used for waste containing medicinal drugs. The wastes can be used for methane (CH₄) generation by anaerobic fermentation. The wastes are most valuable when used as feeds for animals and least valuable when used for CH₄ generation. Their value for CH₄ generation is enhanced when the residue is used as feedstuffs or fertilizer. Considerable amounts of wastes are being utilized for feed, fertilizer and CH₄ generation, but efficiency of these uses has not been optimized. Research needs on animal waste should include multidisciplinary efforts applying principles of systems analysis. Additional research is needed to determine how to control nutrient losses effectively during storage and from soil application. Nitrogen conservation deserves special attention. Research is needed on preservation of waste to be used for feeding. Efficiency of nutrient utilization, especially minerals, deserves attention. The main research needs in CH₄ generation are in the development of equipment to improve efficiency and on more efficient utilization of the residue.

Key Words: Animal Waste • Utilization • Plant Nutrients • Feedstuffs • Methane

¹ Dept. of Anim. Sci., VPI and State Univ.

² Ruminant Nutrition Lab., USDA, Beltsville, MD.

³ Dept. of Anim. Sci., Purdue Univ.