Sheep and Goat Production

Sheep and Goat Production

Discussing current topics in Ontario sheep and goat production

All posts tagged manure

From the Backside to the Countryside – Manure Odours

From the Backside to the Countryside – Manure Odours

Posted on Author Christine O'Reilly, OMAFRA Forage & Grazing SpecialistPosted in Risk Prevention, Risk Prevention

This article was written by Christine Brown, OMAFRA Field Crops Sustainability Specialist. It was originally posted on FieldCropNews.com. There is no surer sign of spring in the countryside than the evidence from our noses of manure application in full swing. Odour complaints occur every year, especially where urban settlements border livestock farms. Although manure odour is inconvenient, most farms do consider wind direction and make an effort to apply and incorporate manure as quickly as possible to minimize odours. Some farms are also looking at manure additives to help control odours. The combination of livestock species, feed ration and manure storages result in hundreds of complex compounds that can produce odorous gases. Some of these gases are dangerous, while others…

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Nutrient Application: Timing Matters

Posted on Author Marlene Paibomesai, Dairy Specialist, OMAFRAPosted in Health & NutritionLeave a Reply

There’s a right time for everything. Every year, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) receives calls about winter spreading. Long, cold winters that come after a wet fall and/or late harvest tend to make winter spreading more common. However, spreading on frozen or snow covered ground, on saturated soil or before major rain events is not a good practice, even if storages are full. Spreading at the wrong time increases the likelihood of nutrient loss and runoff. Nutrient runoff not only pollutes lakes and rivers, it can also decrease your profits. Lost nutrients have to be replaced from another source, and additional commercial fertilizers cost money. Instead, apply at the best possible time to increase your…

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Nutritional Strategies to Reduce Nutrient Output in Sheep Manure

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in Health & NutritionLeave a Reply

There are a number of environmental consequences associated with improper management of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). As a result, public concerns are pushing the livestock industry to show that they are managing these nutrients appropriately. By better balancing P and N in feed rations, many livestock producers have been able to reduce feed costs, as well as minimize land requirements and improve efficiency of manure application by reducing the amount of nutrients that need handling. “Nutritional Strategies to Reduce Nutrient Output in Sheep Manure” discusses how nutrition is the simplest and most effective approach in reducing P losses from livestock operations.