Manure Removal Technique

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Different dairy operations use different manure removal techniques from freestall barns including, vacuuming, scraping, and flushing freestall alleyways. We wanted to see if there was a difference between the various techniques.

The Problem
Background
Experimental Methods
Results and Cost Anlaysis
The Solution

The Problem

Based on design and economics, dairies use different types of manure removal methods in barns. The most common types are: flushing, scraping, and vacuuming. The efficiency with which each method removes manure from barn surfaces varies greatly with technique, flooring material and texture, and equipment. Additionally, the use of recycled or fresh water with flushing can make a difference in efficiency of manure removal. The ability to remove manure from the barn surface and limit ammonia volatilization potential is what is most important when evaluating manure removal techniques, yet little research has been done in this area.

Background

Studies have found that scraping had little effect on ammonia volatilization potential, as it just spreads and distributes manure over the barn floor surface (20, 21). Rather, flushing alleyways with fresh or recycled lagoon water was shown to remove deposited manure and reduce ammonia emissions by 70% immediately after flushing (20). By increasing the rate of flushing from every 4 to every 2 hours, further ammonia reductions were seen (20).

Experimental Methods

Method. Coming Fall 2008....

Results and Cost Analysis

Results. Coming Fall 2008....

Cost Analysis. Coming Fall 2008....

The Solution

Coming Fall 2008....