The Nutrient Content of Litter and Manure from Different Poultry Systems—Updating and Establishing the Nutrient Profile

Representative samples of litter and/or manure from 12 of the most common poultry systems were collected and analysed to provide an accurate nutrient profile from each system. For many systems (turkeys, broilers under indirect heating systems, and pullets), there were no previous values with which to compare composition, but for other systems (broiler breeders and layers), nitrogen and phosphate content were lower as a result of changes in diet and advancements in genetics and management. Nitrogen and phosphate output per 1000 birds was calculated for each system using analysed values for nitrogen and phosphate and measured litter/manure output. Due to a lack of data, it was not possible to compare the nutrient profile of all systems with published values, but where this was possible, some important differences were apparent. For example, the nitrogen and phosphate contents of BB (0–18 weeks) litter were 31% lower and 73% higher than current standard values. Similar differences were also observed for BB (18–60 weeks) (26% lower in nitrogen and 51% higher in phosphate). Turkey litter was found to contain 14% less nitrogen and 37% less phosphate than standard values. Litter from pullet systems contained higher levels of DM (72%), nitrogen, and phosphate than standard values. Litter from free range laying systems also contained higher DM (46%), nitrogen, and phosphate than standard values. This information will be useful in updating environmental legislation and ensuring that poultry producers are able to calculate accurate nutrient management plans for their enterprises. This study also established relations between litter/manure dry matter (DM) and nutrient profile, meaning that this simple measured parameter can be used to predict nutrient profile. The strongest relations were observed between DM and N (R² = 0.65), DM and phosphate (R² = 0.53), and DM and MgO (R² = 0.69). The weakest relation was observed between DM and WSP content (R² = 0.21), although still significant (p = 0.046). It was concluded that it is necessary to consider the relation within individual systems when using DM as a predictor of nutrient profile rather than using a combined system approach. The water-soluble phosphorus (WSP) content of litter/manure was determined and a baseline was established for each production system. It was also shown that DM is positively related (p < 0.05) to WSP content. This will be important for future legislative compliance based on the WSP content of litter/manure.