In the news: January February 2012

U.S. poultry association announces research results

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association recently announced the completion of a research project examining bacterial re-colonization of in-house composted broiler litter, conducted by Dr. John P. Brook with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, based at the Genetics and Precision Agriculture Unit in Mississippi.

In-house litter composting has been shown to reduce bacteria in broiler litter. However, reduction in natural flora of waste residual may lead to increased re-colonization of other bacteria pathogens due to reduced competition. Laboratory studies were conducted to:

1. Determine re-colonization of food-borne bacterial pathogens (by inoculation with Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridium and Listeria) in composted and non-composted litter;
2. Identify bacteria associated with reduced pathogen re-colonization; and
3. Correlate ammonia levels on pathogen re-colonization

Food-borne bacteria were higher in composted litter in Weeks 1 and 2. However, bacterial levels were identical in both litter treatments by Week 7. Upon ceasing the addition of inoculated fecal matter, food-borne bacterial pathogens were overtaken by normal litter bacteria in both treatments. No differences could be attributed to ammonia levels.

In summary, while initial (Week 1 and 2) microbial levels were reduced and food-borne pathogens were increased in composted litter, bacterial levels were similar in composted and non-composted litter treatments by Week 7.

The project is part of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s research program encompassing all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. A complete report, along with information on other association research, may be obtained by visiting www.poultryegg.org.

Alberta Beef Producers environmental award announced

Alberta Beef Producers presented the 2012 Environmental Stewardship Award (ESA) to Christoph and Erika Weder of Spirit View Ranch in Rycroft, Alta., during the organization’s recent annual general meeting.

“The judging team was impressed by the amount of environmental improvements that have been done in the short amount of time they have been there,” says Greg Bowie, ESA chair.

In 2003, the Weders relocated north from the Camrose area up to the Peace Country. The young ranching family already thinks to the next generation and minimizing impacts to the land so they can leave it in better shape than when they began ranching.

“They focus on the big picture, not only growing more grass but encouraging biodiversity to thrive and carrying that through to the cattle they raise and the beef they produce,” says Bowie.

With the help of Ducks Unlimited, more than 100 wetlands have been restored throughout the ranch; these are great brood habitat for ducks and geese, and retain moisture that increases forage production. The Weders also have more than 1,200 acres of forest and grassland protected under conservation easements. A recent wildlife inventory showed they have 150 bird species, 45 mammals, seven amphibians and one reptile species inhabiting the ranch.

“The earth is not just habitat for wildlife and birds; it’s our habitat too and we have to look after what we have in front of our doorstep,” says Erika. “We want to make sure we keep it, we preserve it, we look after it, and that’s what we do.”

“I really believe that livestock production and grazing management systems like we encompass with beef production is one of the most sustainable long-term agriculture production systems,” says Christoph. “It doesn’t take a lot of resources going into it and allows for biodiversity, and soil and water conservation and habitat. It’s something to be proud of as a rancher to be able to sustain all of that for the next generation.”

“It isn’t a one-step process for Christoph and Erika. Their message of environmental stewardship is carried through their practice from start to finish,” says Bowie.

New IA publication makes interpreting manure nutrient analyses easier

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has recently released a publication that complements existing extension manure management resources.

How to Interpret Your Manure Analysis, PM 3014, explains the value of manure sample analyses that indicate nutrient concentrations. Such analyses help define application rates that increase the potential of manure as a crop nutrient source.

“Having your manure analyzed is the best way to determine nutrient concentration,” said Tom Miller, ISU Extension swine specialist. “This publication explains the numbers producers see in laboratory analysis results and tells how to use those numbers in the nutrient management planning process.”

The publication explains how frequently to sample, which tests to request, what the results mean and how to use those results in a nutrient plan. How to Interpret Your Manure Analysis also provides examples of lab reports and a list of common conversions.

“Viewing the publication online allows readers to click on highlighted text and reach web pages with additional nutrient planning information,” said Angela Rieck-Hinz, ISU Extension program specialist. The publication can be viewed online or downloaded from https://store.extension.iastate.edu/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=13669 . The print version of the publication can be ordered by contacting the ISU Extension Online Store at 515-294-5247 or e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

By Angela Rieck-Hinz, Willy Klein and Tom Miller