Poultry litter production and nutrient value

by Christopher B. Lind

The value of poultry manure or spent litter is primarily as a source of nitrogen. It is higher in nitrogen and phosphorus than other types of manure such as swine or cattle, as Table 1 shows.

The concentrated nutrient value of poultry manure renders it a useful agronomic product, but it is also an environmental problem if allowed to runoff the fields. Given the staggering number of birds raised each year in the United States, the potential for runoff-caused eutrophication is clearly seen. USEPA estimated in 1999 that 1055 watersheds have moderate levels of potential effects from agricultural runoff, and an additional 529 watersheds have a high potential for agricultural effects.
 
Table 1. Manure assay and production

Animal	% N	% P	1999 inventory (000s)*
Laying hen	1.8	1.2	308,477
Turkey	2.5	1.2	265,194
Broiler chicken	2.2	1.1	8,145,010
Hog	0.43	0.33	60,486
Dairy cow	0.55	0.13	9,177
Beef cattle	0.24	0.13	87,826

*Feedstuffs 2000, vol. 72