Manure Handling When Raising Pigs - Provides An Effective, Low-Cost Source Of Nutrients

Manure from farming pigs provides an effective, low-cost source of nutrients for crops and pastures. However, manure handling can present a challenge on pig operations. Depending on the situation, manure can be handled as either a solid or a liquid on the farm. Most small operations handle manure as solids, spreading the manure throughout the year using conventional manure handling equipment such as shovels, tractor-mounted loaders, skid loaders, and manure spreaders.

Manure consistency varies according to the age of the animals, the type of feeds provided, and the type of bedding used in the operation. Confinement operations concentrate the manure, while manure in pasture operations tends to be less concentrated. Many larger pig operations handle the manure in the liquid form, which calls for different types of equipment and structures for collecting and spreading the nutrients on fields.

Pig manure is a valuable by-product that can be used to enhance field crop production. Here are some useful facts regarding production rates and nutrient contents of pig manure: - A 150-pound pig produces 9.5 pounds of solid waste per day, or 1.7 tons of manure per year. - A 150-pound pig produces 1.2 gallons of liquid waste per day, or 440 gallons per year. - Solid manure contains 7 pounds of nitrogen, 6 pounds of phosphorus, and 7 pounds of potassium per ton. - Liquid manure contains 17 pounds of nitrogen, 10 pounds of phosphorus, and 16 pounds of potassium per 1000 gallons - Pig operations with 100 animals on hand year-round produce 170 tons of solid manure, or 44,000 gallons of liquid manure annually. This manure would supply nutrients for approximately 10 acres of field corn on an annual basis and would require little additional purchased commercial fertilizer to meet crop needs.

One of the distinct pig characteristics is their cleanliness. Contrary to other people's belief, pigs are generally clean animals. This is shown by their choice of toilet far away from their food and water troughs and their shelter. They will also not sleep or lay near the manure. They use mud to block their sensitive skin from the sun and insect bites. Pigs are independent animals. Unlike dogs, they do not care for much attention. They are more like plants that only need to be fed, watered, and taken out of the sun. Of course, spending time with your pig will make it more attached to you, but not like dogs, they will not seek loving companionship.

So keep these points in mind. You will find that learning how to raise pig does not need to be difficult when you're learning from someone who have experienced. If you would like more tips on keeping pigs and avoid costly mistakes, please visit: www.howtoraisepigs.com