Feed Program Impact on Land Requirements for Managing Manure Nutrients from a Feedlot

Authors

Richard K. Koelsch, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2000

Comments

Published in Nebraska Beef Cattle Report 2000, published by Agricultural Research Division, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Abstract

Using data from UNL feeding trials (1998 Nebraska Beef Report, pp. 86- 88) designed to compare the impact of protein and phosphorus intake on nutrient excretion, an estimate is made of the land requirement for manure application. A balanced diet formulated using the 1996 NRC was compared to other typical feed rations. The standard industry ration required an additional 100 and 400 acres of land to manage the additional manure nitrogen and phosphorus excreted, respectively, by a 1,000 head feedlot. A spreadsheet tool is introduced for estimating land requirements for manure produced by alternative feeding programs.