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.  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. Depending on the
situation, manure can be handled as either a
solid or a liquid on the farm. 

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.

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

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