www.sare.org publications selecting-cattle-to-improve-grazing-distribution-patterns-rangeland-health-and-water-quality management-implications Management Implications Selecting cattle with desirable grazing patterns and culling cattle with undesirable grazing patterns have been suggested as tools for improving distribution. One approach for such selection is to use breeds adapted to rugged and extensive rangelands. Research conducted as part of our first SARE-funded project (SW98-064) showed that cattle breeds developed in mountainous terrain utilize […]
www.sare.org publications in-house-composting-in-high-rise-caged-layer-facilities references-4 References 1. Thompson, S.A., P.M. Ndegwa, W.C. Merka and A.B. Webster. 2001. Reduction in layer manure weight and volume using an in-house layer manure composting system under field conditions. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 10:255-261. 2. Brown Bear Corporation, Corning Iowa: https://www.brownbearcorp.com/ 3. Rynk, R. (Ed). 1992. On-Farm Composting Handbook. Publication #54 of the Northeast Regional […]
www.sare.org publications in-house-composting-in-high-rise-caged-layer-facilities research-synopsis-4 Research Synopsis The goal of SARE research project in-house composting in high-rise, caged layer facilities was to develop operational parameters for in-house composting. Specific objectives were to: 1) evaluate carbon source, rate, and turning frequency variables for their effects on compost temperatures; 2) evaluate amendments and process controls to reduce ammonia volatilization from composting manure; and 3) […]
www.sare.org publications in-house-composting-in-high-rise-caged-layer-facilities economic-evaluation Economic Evaluation Cooperators on this project reported cost savings associated with reduced pesticide use for fly control, removal of less material from the buildings at cleanout, and the production of a higher value and saleable product. Additional costs were incurred for turning the compost. Based on partial budget analysis including these costs, annual savings equaled $6,000 per […]
www.sare.org publications in-house-composting-in-high-rise-caged-layer-facilities managing-compost-inside-poultry-facilities managing-compost-inside-poultry-facilities-page-3 Managing Compost Inside Poultry Facilities, Page 3 Fly controlThe farmer cooperators on this SARE research project were able to discontinue using a feed-based larvicide and shift to topical applications of an insecticide when needed as long as the material was managed appropriately to maintain high temperatures. Fly outbreaks, though infrequent, did occur when equipment broke down and turning schedules could not be […]
www.sare.org publications in-house-composting-in-high-rise-caged-layer-facilities managing-compost-inside-poultry-facilities managing-compost-inside-poultry-facilities-page-2 Managing Compost Inside Poultry Facilities, Page 2 Turning frequencyResearch demonstrated the importance of turning frequency on maintaining compost temperatures above the lethal limit for fly larvae. Results showed that critical temperatures could be achieved by turning the material once every 2 to 3 days (Figure 2). Missed turning events resulted in a rapid drop in temperatures below the critical value (see insert […]
www.sare.org publications in-house-composting-in-high-rise-caged-layer-facilities managing-compost-inside-poultry-facilities Managing Compost Inside Poultry Facilities Details on composting processes and methods are outside the scope of this article but are presented elsewhere in comprehensive manuals [3]. Two of the most important factors for successful in-house composting are the appropriate C:N ratio and moisture content of the material. Carbon to nitrogen ratio should be in the range of 20:1 to 40:1, […]
www.sare.org publications in-house-composting-in-high-rise-caged-layer-facilities overview-of-high-rise-caged-layer-facilities-and-in-house-composting Overview of High-Rise, Caged Layer Facilities and In-House Composting High-rise, Caged Layer Facilities The standard structure design for high-rise, caged layer facilities involves housing poultry in offset-stacked cages in the upper floor of the structure. Manure from the cages is directed with plastic sheeting into the storage area below (Figure 1). Manure may accumulate for several months or more before buildings are cleaned out. […]
www.sare.org publications a-sustainable-approach-to-controlling-honey-bee-diseases-and-varroa-mites references-3 References Arathi, H.S. and M. Spivak. 2001. Influence of colony genotypic composition on the performance of hygienic behavior in the honey bee (Apis mellifera L). Animal Behavior 62: 57–66. Gramacho, K.P. and M. Spivak. 2003. Differences in olfactory sensitivity and behavioral responses among honey bees bred for hygienic behavior. Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol. 54: 472–479. Harbo, J.R. […]
www.sare.org publications a-sustainable-approach-to-controlling-honey-bee-diseases-and-varroa-mites research-synopsis-3 Research Synopsis Our goal is to breed honey bees, Apis mellifera, resistant to diseases and parasitic mites to reduce the amount of antibiotics and pesticides used in bee colonies, and to ensure that our breeding methods and stock are accessible to beekeepers everywhere. We bred a line of bees for hygienic behavior, called the “MN Hygienic Line.” […]