Types of Poultry Manure
Poultry manure consists of two main types: cage manure and bedding manure, each of which can be either dry or wet.
Cage Manure:
This type of manure is usually collected in cage rearing systems. Poultry droppings fall directly onto belts beneath the cages and are subsequently collected. Dry cage manure typically loses moisture rapidly through methods such as ventilation or the use of heating ducts in the farms. The moisture content in these systems usually decreases to about 10 to 20 percent. However, wet manure can occur when ventilation is inadequate or when manure is stored for a longer duration, which may lead to environmental and sanitary issues.
Bedding Manure:
In non-cage farms, some manure is deposited onto bedding made of straw or wood chips. In this case, dry manure is generally achieved through regular bedding changes and adequate ventilation. However, if bedding moisture exceeds 30 percent, it can lead to the formation of hard layers or sludge, negatively affecting bird health and reducing environmental quality. Wet bedding manure primarily occurs in environments with insufficient ventilation and high moisture levels, requiring careful management.
Both types of manure are rich sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making them suitable as agricultural fertilizers. Nevertheless, precise management of moisture content and manure quality is crucial to prevent environmental and health-related problems.
