Researcher, agr., Ph.D.
418 643-2380
ext 640
Pelleted laying hen manure is a nitrogen source that is interesting an increasing number of growers, both organic and conventional, because of its efficiency. The first edition of the fertilization guide Guide de référence en fertilisation assigned a high (75.85%) efficiency coefficient (EC) to poultry manure. However, the second edition assigns much lower EC for crops requiring less nitrogen (EC 50–60%; C/N ratio of 8) and higher levels of nitrogen (EC: 60–70 %; C/N ratio of 8).
This is not the same performance of pelleted laying hen manure observed in commercial production. Moreover, the references used to establish the EC do not mention pelleted laying hen manure, but rather cow manure and paper mill sludge that contain much different carbon and nitrogen contents.
Due to the type of carbon and nitrogen in laying hen manure, it has a very low biological stability index (38), i.e. a high mineralization rate, nearer that of raw pig manure (ISB=36) than that of raw cow manure (ISB=47) or composted paper mill sludge (ISB=65). This lack of information leads to significant variability in the ECs used. In fact, consultants and extension agents often ask IRDA for advice on what EC to use. This uncertainty limits the use of laying hen manure and can affect yields and environmental quality if too little or too much fertilizer is applied.
From 2017 to 2019
Project duration
Livestock production
Activity areas
Fertilizer management, Waste conversion
Services
This work seeks to enhance the fertilizing potential of laying-hen droppings.
Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec | InnovAction - Volet 2
Research report • Christine Landry, Mylène Marchand-Roy, Julie Mainguy
Landry, C., M. Marchand-Roy, J. Mainguy, M. Paradis. 2019. Détermination terrain du coefficient d'efficacité azoté et du délai de libération du N des fientes granulées de poules pondeuses dans les cultures de maïs-grain et avoine. IRDA. 50 p. DownloadSummary sheet • Christine Landry, Mylène Marchand-Roy, Julie Mainguy
Landry, C., M. Marchand-Roy, J. Mainguy, M. Paradis. 2019. Détermination terrain du coefficient d'efficacité azoté et du délai de libération de l'azote des fientes granulées de poules pondeuses dans les cultures de maïs-grain et avoine (fiche). IRDA. 14 p. DownloadThe objective of the project was to demonstrate that next generation hog barn design (slatted floors over 2/3 or more of the area) generate less odor.
Researcher: Stéphane Godbout
When designing tanks, the total volume of material to be stored must be calculated. This guide provides a comprehensive calculation method that takes into account volumes of bedding added as well as feed and water losses.
Researcher: Stéphane Godbout