Economics of Manure Phosphorus Distribution from Beef Feeding Operations

Authors

William F. Kissinger, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Richard K. Koelsch, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Raymond E. Massey, University of Missouri, ColumbiaFollow

Date of this Version

January 2006

Comments

Published in 2006 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2005 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

An economic model was developed to evaluate cost and value of manure distribution. A 2,500 head feedlot was used as a case study to calculate excretion amounts from cattle fed diets with a range of phosphorus. Diet P and subsequent costs of distributing that manure were used to analyze the corresponding costs of manure P distribution, in addition to determining the required acres needed to be in compliance with a nutrient management plan (NMP) based on use of manure P by the crops grown. The model illustrated when animals are fed diets of increasing P concentration, total distribution cost increased, ranging from $2.80 - $5.10/head finished/year, but the agronomic and market value of manure produced increased at a rate faster than the rate of increasing costs of distribution for a small feedlot.