Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences were: 1) Extension personnel, 2) Technical and research staff and/or faculty, 3) Government agencies and regulatory people, 3) Non-profit environmental organizations, 4) Animal and farm management associations, especially equine organizations, 5) Students, and 6) the interested public. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The project has been disseminated tofarmers, the extension community, and other stakeholders via publications, educational materials, videos and stakeholder meetings. Training videos and educatoinal curricula are provided under "Other Products." What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Horse farmers do not readily make changes in their management, particularly dietary changes in order to improve environmentally quality. The factors that encourage these changes are not economic, as with other species, but rather related to horse management and health, and perhaps appealing to environmental concerns. Objectives 1. Better quantify feeding, management, and stored manure characteristics on horse farms in order to determine effects on soil, water, and air. We completed a study about initiating feed management programs on equine farms in order to improve environmental health. When overfed, horses will excrete excess nutrients. Excesses may result in higher levels of nitrogen or phosphorus in runoff and greater environmental risks. This study, now submitted for publication, determined the levels of feeding on equine and if the project participants would make feed management changes in order to reduce excretion of excess nutrients and improve the environment. In general, equine farms present challenges when developing feed management plans and may require an alternative approaches to encourage producer participation. Among the outcomes we suggest that 1) An equine feed management program should include regular feed and forage testing, 2) A nutrition professional is required to evaluate feeding practices, analyze animals and formulate diets, 3) A pasture management program, and 4) A dry lot or exercise management strategy to reduce feed losses related to mud accumulation and waste feed losses. The goal of this project was to develop an equine feed management program similar to the national feed management program that implements the USDA Standard for Feed Management. Twenty-one cooperating farms in two separate watersheds served as local demonstrations for proper feed management practices. Most had no understanding of feeding practices and nutrient management. Hay and pasture were the primary forages fed, bagged commercial feed plus bulk or whole grains were the primary concentrates used, several fed rice/wheat bran, beet pulp, oil, and/or flax seed;Fourteen of the farms fed at least one miscellaneous supplement. Most farms balanced diets on their own, two used a private consultant, two a feed dealer, none used extension services. Horses on farms began the project slightly overweight; averaging a body condition score (BCS) of 5.8 ± 0.1 on a scale of 1 to 9; there was little change (6.1 ± 0.1) over the course of the study. Most farms were overfeeding, perhaps creating increased nutrient losses. In general, few participants implemented project recommendations (6 farms), fewer followed up during the year (3 farms). However,those following recommendations saw changes in horses' conditions. Outcomes suggest that an equine feed management program should include regular feed and forage testing, use of nutrition professionals to analyze animals and formulate diets, a pasture management program, and a dry lot or exercise management strategy to reduce feed losses. Equine farms present challenges when developing feed management plans and may require an alternative approaches to encourage producer participation.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Westendorf, M. L., V. Puduri, C. Williams, T. Joshua, and R. Govindasamy. 2014. Dietary and Manure Management Practices on Equine Farms in Two New Jersey Watersheds. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 33:601-606.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Westendorf, Michael. 2013. Nutrient Management on Small Farms. Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center. Waste to Worth Conference. Denver CO. March 28, 2013. http://www.extension.org/sites/default/files/w2w%202013%20book%20of%20abstracts.pdf
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Carey Williams, Ann M. Swinker, Amy O. Burke, Kathleen Anderson, Christine Skelly, and Mike L. Westendorf. 2013. Currently Used Manure Management Practices of Equine Operations. Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center. Waste to Worth Conference. Denver CO. March 28, 2013. http://www.extension.org/sites/default/files/w2w%202013%20book%20of%20abstracts.pdf
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
A.M. Swinker, C. A. Williams, K. Anderson, C. Skelly, A.O. Burke, and M. Westendorf. 2013. Nutrient Management Regulations and the Equine Industry. Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center. Waste to Worth Conference. Denver CO. March 28, 2013. http://www.extension.org/sites/default/files/w2w%202013%20book%20of%20abstracts.pdf
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Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: This project incorporates the best available data about animal use, feed, manure storage and disposal, pasture/cropping management, soil and environmental quality, erosion control, and site characteristics to meet the goal of minimizing negative environmental impacts of equine operations on soil, water, and air quality. This project will assess existing data, investigate and conduct research when data is lacking or non-existent, and incorporate all data into a systematic model of nutrient flow in soil, water, and air occurring on horse farms. The target audiences for this information are primairly equine farmers and those who work with equine farmers, including extension specialists and count agents, farm service suppliers, environmental quality specialists including state and federal government workers, students, and researchers. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? During our annual NE-1041 meeting we schedule a 1/2 day long meeting with local producers to discuss the project and to report our latest findings that will support local equine farmers. These have been held at prevous annual meetings in Minnesota, Vermont, and in out most recent meeting in Pennsylvania. We plan to do the same at this coming year's meeting in South Dakota. In additon, we have held symposia about the project at recent Equine Science Society meetings held in Nashville, TN, and Mescalero, NM. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Factsheets, videos, publications, conferences. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? A composting area has been laid out and will serve as a location for composting all the animal manure on the Rutgers animal farms. In addition, an area has been set aside for composting and manure management research. Composting and composting research will continue at the Rutgers farm. We have started preparing for a project that will measure the effect of grazing system on plant production, soil quality, animal health, and production costs by grazing horses in a continuous or rotational grazing system for two years. Plant production will be measured by vegetative cover, species composition, yield and forage quality. Soil quality will be measured by soil fertility, bulk density, and water infiltration. Horse health will be measured by body weight, body condition score, percent body fat, and voluntary movement. The economics will be analyzed by comparing production and feed costs. An outreach component will ensure that results are made available to stakeholders. Currently pastures had to be totally renovated and we have started preliminary work to plan for what equipment and testing specifically we will be doing. Laura Gladney, program associate and graduate student in Plant Science will be the key person on this project.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The accomplishment described focused mostly on the first objective.: Impact: This project had a direct impact on the 21 particpants by increasing their knowledge about the importance of diet management in reducing animal waste losses on equine farms. The program developed the following recommentations for feed management to minimize waste losses on equine farms: Regular forage testing of all purchased forages. Use of purchased feed data about feed grains, byproducts, supplements, and etc. Employing a consultant analyze animals and feeds. Regular monitoring of feeds. Feed management relating to bunks,heavy useareas, elevated feeders, feed storage, etc. We received a feed management program grant from the USDA-NRCS for equine producers in New Jersey. The regional project NE-1041 helped us to leverage this project. The goal of this on-farm project was to determine if a feed management program could be developed in New Jersey to encourage equine producers to better manage diets to reduce nuttient waste. Participants also were able to serve as local demonstrations for encouraging equine farms to utilize the best available technology and practices when feeding; this will result in reduced waste nutrient excretion and protection of water resources. Although we had very good participation in the project, owing partly to the enthusiastic work of Laura Gladney, Extension Program Associate and most farmers readily accepted initial recommendations, only several followed these throughout the project. In general horses were in good condition during the study. Six of the farms implemented the nutritional management recommendations. However, only two continued these throughout the study. These two either continued or made and implemented changes in pasture and forage management including fencing, improved management of dry lots, and improved pasture management including rotational grazing. Most were interested in the information from the nutritional consults. Project Participants Twenty-one equine farms were selected in the two watersheds (North and South New Jersey. These farms were screened thoroughly for willingness to participate in the project. These farms were given a screening assessment to get more detailed information about management and feeding practices. Some of the results of this survey showed that all were USDDA program eligible, 11 out of 21 had an outside sacrifice area, but only one had a manure storage that was more than a pile on the ground. Many disposed of manure off site, in the spreader prior to spreading, and one in the woods. Most balanced diets on their own, one used a private consultant, one a feed dealer, none used extension services. These surveys serve as a before and after comparison of the farms. In addition all farms have completed the New Jersey State Mandated Animal Waste Management Plans. The information from the survey has also been used to initiate feeding and management protocols customized to each farm. Feed management procedures were assessed on all farms. This began with the participating producer completing a survey. Individual consultations followed this where feeding data was collected on the farm. Hay samples were taken on all farms and were evaluated for nutrient content. Grain feeding was assessed by surveying the type of grain fed and obtaining any needed information from the feeding company. Individual animals were assessed for condition and needs were determined based on each animals class (work, pleasure, performance, breed, age, sex, etc.) When all of this information was collected, a feed management plan was formulated. Each individual producer received this plan during a personal consultation. These consultations took place in September and October of 2010. All farms were reassessed in October of 2011 to determine if they followed feed management recommendations and to determine requirements/improvements, etc. Project Results Soil phosphorus on the farms in the south region averaged 405 pounds per acre vs. only 119 pounds per acre in the north region. The north region would be considered to be in the high optimum or high range while the south region is in extreme excess. This high phosphorus can contribute to soil runoff and impaired water quality; it may also have some impact on phosphorus levels in vegetative and upon Ca:P levels. Ca:P levels in forage material average 1.5 on the north farms and 1.0 on the south. Nutritional consultation summary. Below is an overview of the nutritional evaluations completed in the summer/fall of 2012. There were 21 farms surveyed (10 in South Jersey, 11 in North Jersey), however, for the sake of the nutritional consults we will use 22, as one farm in North Jersey had two barns each with their own manager. On average the farms averaged 10 horses and had from 25 acres, with a stocking density of 2.5 acres of horse. For this purpose the horse numbers were calculated using the horses that were consistent from year 1 to year 2. Any horses that left the property before year 2 were not counted, nor were horses that were new to the property in year 2. This was to be able to detect differences in management on the same horses in a 1 year period. Foals with their dams were also not included in the count. On average, all farms maintained the same weight and same body condition score (BCS) on their horses in the one year period. Overall, the horses were borderline overweight; maintaining a BCS of approximately 6 (on a scale of 1 to 9 with 1 being emaciated and 9 being morbidly obese; year 1 5.8 ± 0.1, year 2 6.1 ± 0.1). This indicates that overall the farms on our study were overfeeding, creating an excess of nutrients in the waste and on the land. In general few people took the recommendations made after year 1 (6 to be exact) and even fewer people called about any nutrition questions during the year (3 farms). People who did take recommendations did see a difference in their horse’s conditions, either increasing or decreasing as needed. Those who did not take recommendations did not have any changes in their horse’s weights or BCS and most of those remained overweight. A few farms did have thin horses that needed an increase in caloric density of feed, or an increase in the amount of hay and grain they consumed. When comparing North and South Jersey, South Jersey farms had more horses than farms in North Jersey (13.7 ± 3.5 and 5.9 ± 1.4, respectively). However, North and South Jersey farms had similar ages (11.8 ±0.9) and BCS of their horses in both years. South Jersey farms had lighter horse weights on average and farms in North Jersey both in year 1 (1024 ± 17.1 and 1045 ±38.3 lbs, respectively) and year 2 (1019 ± 17.2 and 1037 ± 38.8 lbs, respectively). This does confirm the observation that the horses in North Jersey were more of the Warmblood and draft crosses types than those in South Jersey, that were more of the light horse breeds like Arabian and Quarter Horse stock types. There was no difference in stocking density between the North and the South Jersey farms. Again this number is not an exact stocking density on the given year we visited the farm, but an overview of the horses that continued on at the farm from one year to the next. In arriving at final recommendations, we have agreed on the importance of nutrition professionals to be available for assistance to producers who wish to improve animal waste managements by the use of controlled diets.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Westendorf, M. and Williams, C. 2013 (Rev.). Nutrient Management on Livestock Farms: Tips for Feeding. Rutgers Cooperative Extension. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Rutgers University. http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/fs1064/tips-for-feeding.asp. FS1064.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
Westendorf, M. L. and C. Williams. 2011. Effects of Excess Dietary Phosphorus on Fecal Phosphorus Excretion and Water Extractable Phosphorus in Horses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 31:306.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
Williams C. and M. L. Westendorf. 2011. Dietary protein affects Nitrogen and Ammonia Excretion in Horses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 31:305-306.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Westendorf, M. and J. Arogo-Ojego. 2013. Managing Manure on Horse Farms: Spreading and Off-Farm Disposal. Rutgers Cooperative Extension. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Rutgers University. FS1193. http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/fs1193/
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kelly, F. and M. Westendorf. 2013. Storing Manure on Small Horse and Livestock Farms. Rutgers Cooperative Extension. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Rutgers University. FS1192. http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/fs1192/
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Westendorf, M. and Williams, C. 2013. Can animal feeding practices influence nutrient runoff? Rutgers Cooperative Extension. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Rutgers University. http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/fs1191/. FS1191.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Westendorf, M., & Williams, C. 2013. Managing Manure on Horse Farms: Exercise or Sacrifice Lots for Horses. Rutgers Cooperative Extension. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Rutgers University. http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/fs1190/managing-manure-on-horse-farms.asp. FS1190.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Westendorf, M. L. 2013. (Rev.). New Jersey Livestock Farmer Survey: Is my farm environmentally friendly? Rutgers Cooperative Extension. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Rutgers University. http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/fs1047/. FS1047.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Westendorf, M. and Krogmann, U. 2013 (Rev.). Horses and Manure. Rutgers Cooperative Extension. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Rutgers University. http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/fs036/horses-and-manure.asp. FS036.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Westendorf, M. and Krogmann, U. 2013 (Rev.). Horse Manure Management: Bedding Use. Rutgers Cooperative Extension. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Rutgers University. http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/fs537/horse-manure-mgmt-bedding-use.asp. FS537.
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Within the project year the following projects have been completed which relate directly to the NE-1041 goals and objectives. NE-1041 Objectives: 1. Better quantify feeding, management, and stored manure characteristics on horse farms in order to determine effects on soil, water, and air. 2. Evaluate existing data and conduct research to better quantify environmental impacts on soil related to equine operations. 3. Evaluate existing data and conduct research to better quantify environmental impacts on water quality measures related to equine operations. 4. Evaluate existing data and conduct research to better quantify environmental impacts on air quality related to equine operations. 5. Integrate knowledge gained from the data into a system model to help improve best management practices on equine operations. We have conducted work related to these objectives in the following projects: 1. Survey of New Jersey horse farms was completed to determine how they manage their horses' diets in order to minimize environmental losses. In general, New Jersey horse farmers over-feed their horses wasting nutrients. 2. We are completing a project with 20 New Jersey horse farms to assist them in better managing their horses. It is hoped that we can help them to avoid overfeeding and prevent environmental losses. 3. A long-term composting research and demonstration area is being completed at the Rutgers Animal Farm. This will allow us to complete research and demonstration projects for New Jersey horse farms. 4. Two projects have been completed on campus related to overfeeding of dietary nitrogen and phosphorus to horses. These projects have shown that strict dietary monitoring can result in less excretory losses. All of these projects will be used as the basis of extension education programs. PARTICIPANTS: Mike Westendorf, Rutgers University. Carey Williams, Rutgers University. Laura Gladney, Rutgers University. Steve Komar, Rutgers University. Rob Miskewitz, Rutgers University. Other Institutions: Betsy Greene, University of Vermont; Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota; Ann Swinker, Penn State University; Amy Burk, University of Maryland; Rebecca Bott, South Dakota State University; Paul Siciliano, North Carolina State University; Masud Hashemi, University of Massachusetts. Guest: Lisa Wojan, Veterinarian in Connecticut We conducted our Annual NE-1041 meeting at the University of Vermont TARGET AUDIENCES: 1. New Jersey equine producers in order to encourage adoption of new management practices. 2. Equine producers in other states in order to encourage adoption of new management practices. 3. Researchers and extension personnel who work with horse producers to encourage them to work more on environmental issues for horse farms. 4. Industry professionals who work with horse producers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Our nutrition survey determined that 26 percent of producers engage a professional for feeding advice (21 percent veterinarians, 2 percent extension, and 3 percent nutrition consultants). Most respondents did not have a regular feed management plan. Comparison of cross-tabulations indicates a strong relationship between rotational grazing and the use of a sacrifice or exercise area. Eighty-eight percent of respondents using sacrifice areas also rotationally graze. Results indicate future outreach programs should focus on feed management, manure storage location, rotational grazing, and the use of sacrifice areas as part of a pasture management program. In the phosphorus feeding project we determined that horses that were overfed phosphorus also had a significant in excreted phosphorus, especially phosphorus that is quickly water soluble and may pose and increased risk for runoff. Fecal phosphorus levels were also determined on 21 equine farms in two different New Jersey watersheds. Phosphorus and water soluble phosphorus values were similar between the two regions. Overfeeding of equine diets should always be avoided. Water solubility of phosphorus may provide a useful tool to determine relative risk of phosphorus runoff when manure is spread. Further research with horse manure management practices will help determine the risks of phosphorus runoff when manure is either applied or deposited on cropland or pastures. We conducted a separate project with the evaluation of horse diets. Our above projects helped us to evaluate New Jersey horse farms (21 farms total in both the north and south of the state). We helped these farmers to increase their knowledge about feeding and the environment. We had some positive responses especially related to pastures and grazing management.
Publications
- Westendorf, M. L., V. Puduri, C. Williams, T. Joshua, and R. Govindasamy. 2013. Dietary and Manure Management Practices on Equine Farms in Two New Jersey Watersheds. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. In-press for Publication.
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Overfeeding can result in overspending on feed, over-conditioned horses, and nutrient interactions harmful to horses, and may also have destructive influences on the environment. The objective of this year's research was to examine the influence of excess dietary phosphorus in horses on phosphorus excretion. In addition to evaluating phosphorus levels in feces when phosphorus is overfed, feces were also analyzed for the level of water extractable phosphorus (WEP) present. Data from this project will build an understanding of how feeding practices occurring on equine farms may affect the environment. Eight Standardbred mares were divided into two groups; one group (High P) began receiving a supplement, dosed orally, containing 141.5 g/d of Monosodium Phosphate (NaH2PO4). This supplement was formulated to provide approximately triple the level of dietary phosphorous (NRC, 2007) recommended. The other group (Low P) was fed the basal diet of 1 kg of sweet feed and ad libitum grass hay. The Low P group received a total of 28.2 g of dietary P/d and the High P group received a total of 64.7 g dietary P/d. After a one-week dietary adaptation period, a five-day collection was initiated. Horses in the High P group continued to receive the supplement during the collection. After the dietary adaptation period, horse stalls were stripped of bedding and horses were housed on rubber mats. After the collection period, the supplement was discontinued and all horses were returned to a forage-only diet for 10 d to ensure no residual or carryover effects due to supplementation. At the end of this period, groups were crossed over and began receiving the High P and Low P diets, respectively, for another 7 d adaptation. A second five-day collection followed. At each collection all feces was weighed and a 10% aliquot taken. At the end of the 5 d collection all manure was composited for each horse and frozen until further analysis. Prior to analysis, one composite of manure was created for each horse; these were dried and sent to the Dairy One laboratory in Ithaca, NY for manure analysis. All manure samples were also sent to the Rutgers University Soil Testing laboratory for WEP analysis. This was completed using the procedure of Wolf et al. (2005). All data were analyzed by repeated ANOVA measures. Results are presented as treatment effects only. The horses excreted an average of 74.3 kg of feces in the Low P group and 75.0 kg (SE = 13.6) in the High P group over the 5 d collection period. The phosphorus content (dry matter) of the manure was higher in the High P group than in the Low P group (P < 0.05; 0.814 vs. 0.360%, respectively; SE = .021). The WEP was also significantly higher in the High P group than in the Low P group (P < 0.05; 65.8 mg/dl vs. 20.6 mg/dl, respectively; SE = 2.1). The results of this experiment show that feeding an inorganic source of phosphorus (NaH2PO4) above recommended levels will result in an increased excretion of phosphorus. This data indicates that the supplementation of extra phosphorus increased excreted phosphorus. This data also support the possible use of WEP to monitor overfeeding of phosphorus. PARTICIPANTS: Carey Williams, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Steve Komar, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Robert Miskewitz, Rutgers Department of Environmental Science Bill Bamka, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Bob Mickel, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Laura Gladney, Rutgers Cooperative Extension TARGET AUDIENCES: Equine producers Environmental managers Nutritionists PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Phosphorus is quite stable in the manure pile or as spread on pastures/tillable land. It will not volatilize into the atmosphere and is less likely to leach into groundwater supplies than nitrogen. The greatest risk from elevated phosphorus in manure is surface runoff. Horse manure should be tilled into the soil when spread or dragged when spread on pastures. This will help to reduce any surface runoff risks. Spreading on frozen ground should always be avoided for the same surface runoff risks. The inclusion of a more soluble inorganic source of phosphorus resulted in increased levels in the manure. The increased WEP values also show that the increased level of phosphorus led to increases in soluble phosphorus, which may be more prone to runoff problems. The WEP has been used in other species as a relative indication of phosphorus risk and can be combined with other measurements such as a P-Index in environmental management. This study indicates that over feeding an inorganic phosphorus supplement will significantly increase phosphorus in the manure and make it more susceptible to runoff. Use of water extractable phosphorus and manure phosphorus analysis may give a useful tool for determining the risk that phosphorus may pose in runoff when manure is spread or deposited on pastures or other agronomic ground.
Publications
- Westendorf, M.L., C. Williams, A.O. Burk, N. Trottier, K. Martinson, P. D.Siciliano, A. M. Swinker, E. A. Greene, and R. Bott. 2012. Environmental Impacts of Equine Operations: A USDA Multi-State Project. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. Accepted for Publication.
- Komar, S., R. Miskewitz, M. Westendorf, and C. A. Williams. 2011. Effects of Bedding Type on Compost Quality of Equine Stall Waste.. Journal of Animal Science. Accepted for Publication.
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Overfeeding can result in overspending on feed, over-conditioned horses, harmful nutrient interactions, and may have destructive influences on the environment. Phosphorus is a concern because of its effects upon water quality and the environment when overfed. Water extractable phosphorus has been evaluated previously to compare different materials on the basis of their potential to release dissolved phosphorus to runoff water. The objective of this project is to examine the influence of excess dietary phosphorus in horses on excretion of phosphorus. In addition to evaluating phosphorus levels in fecal matter when phosphorus is overfed, feces was analyzed for the level of water extractable phosphorus (WEP) present. Data from this project will help to build an understanding of how feeding practices occurring on equine farms may have an effect on the environment. Materials and Methods Eight Standardbred mares were divided into two groups; one group (High P) began receiving a supplement, dosed orally, containing 141.5 g/d of Monosodium Phosphate (NaH2PO4). This supplement was formulated to provide approximately triple the level of dietary phosphorous (NRC, 2007) 4, where the other group (Low P) was only fed the basal diet. The Low P group received a total of 28.2 g of dietary P/d and the High P group received a total of 64.7 g dietary P/d. After a one-week dietary adaptation period, a five-day collection was initiated. Horses in the High P group continued to receive the supplement during the collection period. Animals were housed from 1600 until 0800 the following morning. After the dietary adaptation period horse stalls were stripped of any bedding and horses were housed on rubber mats. After this period of collection, the supplement was discontinued and all horses were returned to a forage-only diet for 10 dto ensure no residual or carryover effects due to supplementation. At the end of this period, the groups were crossed over and began receiving the High P and Low P diets for another 7 d dietary adaptation period. At the end of this period a second five-day collection was initiated. At each collection all feces was weighed and a 10% aliquot taken. Prior to analysis one composite of manure was created for each horse, and sent to the Dairy One laboratory in Ithaca, NY for analysis. All manure samples were also sent to the Rutgers University Soil Testing laboratory for WEP analysis. All data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA using the NCSS system (2001). Since period was not significant, results are presented as treatment effects only. Results The horses excreted an average of 74.3 kg of feces in the Low P group and 75.0 kg (SE = 13.6) in the High P group over the 5 d collection period. The phosphorus content (dry matter) of the manure was higher in the High P group than in the Low P group (P < 0.05; 0.814 vs. 0.360%, respectively; SE = .021). The WEP was also significantly higher in the High P group than in the Low P group (P < 0.05; 65.8 mg/dl vs. 20.6 mg/dl, respectively; SE = 2.1). These results are being presented to professional groups and will be used as the basis of outreach programs to equine producers. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Michael L. Westendorf, Rutgers Univeristy Extension Animal Scientist Dr. Carey Williams, Rutgers Univeristy Extension Equine Specialist TARGET AUDIENCES: Equine Producers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The results of this experiment show that feeding an inorganic source of phosphorus (NaH2PO4) above NRC (2007) recommended levels will result in an increased excretion of phosphorus. This data indicates that the supplementation of extra phosphorus increased excreted phosphorus. According to the Midwest Plan Service (2004)5 the average sedentary horse will excrete 0.03 kg of P2O5 per day. Correcting for the 16-hour collection and adjusting for DM, the two phosphorus supplementation periods averaged 0.05 and 0.11 kg per a corrected 24-hour-day for the Low and High P groups respectively. This resulted in higher levels of P2O5 per ton in the manure (Low P, 2.04 vs. High P, 4.29 kg/T). Phosphorus is quite stable in the manure pile or as spread on pastures/tillable land. It will not volatilize into the atmosphere and is less likely to leach into groundwater supplies than nitrogen. The greatest risk from elevated phosphorus in manure is surface runoff. Horse manure should be tilled into the soil when spread or dragged when spread on pastures.6 This will help to reduce any surface runoff risks. Spreading on frozen ground should always be avoided for the same surface runoff risks. The inclusion of a more soluble inorganic source of phosphorus resulted in increased levels in the manure. The increased WEP values also show that the increased level of phosphorus led to increases in soluble phosphorus, which may be more prone to runoff problems. The WEP has been used in other species as a relative indication of phosphorus risk and can be combined with other measurements such as a P-Index in environmental management. This study indicates that over feeding an inorganic phosphorus supplement will significantly increase phosphorus in the manure and make it more susceptible to runoff. Future efforts will focus on outreach to farmers to ensure the adoption of feeding strategies that will minimize overexcretion of nutrients.
Publications
- Westendorf, M.L., T. Joshua, S.J. Komar, C. Williams, and R. Govindasamy,. 2010. Effectiveness of Cooperative Extension Manure Management Programs. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 30(6):322-325.
- Westendorf, M.L., T. Joshua, S.J. Komar, C. Williams, and R. Govindasamy,. 2010. Manure Management Practices on New Jersey Equine Farms. Prof. Anim. Sci. 26:123-129.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: An equine manure management survey was conducted in 2006-2007. It was analyzed and presented as an abstract in 2009. Below are the results. According to the 2007 USDA Census of Agriculture there are over 65,000 equine farms with 465,000 horses, ponies, mules, etc. in Northeastern and Mid-Altantic states. These farms may influence environmental and water quality due to equine manure collection, storage, spreading, and disposal practices. A manure management survey was mailed to 2000 New Jesey equie farms during the winter of 2006-2007. Four hundred and severty-two survesy were returned: 18.5% were training of performance farms, the remainder (81.5%) were breeding, boarding or pleasure farms. Fifty-four percent of all farms indicated that they spread manure on farm. Of those who spread, only 27% indicated having more than 8.09 hectares (20 acres) available for spreading. Seventy-four percent had a designated area for manure storage. Eighty-three percent said their manure storage was greater than 200 feet from water or wetlands. 86% said storage was greater than 200 feet from neighbors. Data were modeled to determine the relationship of manure storage or manure spreading with other management practices. The storage model showed that farms with 6-10 horses were more likely to have manure storages than farms not included in the model. This model had a predictive accuracy of 83.3% and R-square of 0.35 (P<0.01). The manure spreading model showed that those who spread manure were also likely to credit manure for its fertilizer value. The spreading model had an overall predictive accuracy of 95.5% and R-squared of 0.795 (P<0.01). These results indicate that while most equine farms did not pose a direct risk to water qulaity or to a neighbor, some do not currently utilize best management practices in managing, spreading, or storing manure. PARTICIPANTS: Extension Specialists and County Agents at Land Grant Experiment Stations Research Specialists at Land Grant Experiment Stations State statistician University personnel Farm groups TARGET AUDIENCES: State Agencies - water quality, agriculture, etc. Farm groups University researchers, specialists, and staff USDA PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Year one, project still developing.
Impacts
An equine manure management survey was conducted in 2006-2007. It was analyzed and presented as an abstract in 2009. Below are the results. According to the 2007 USDA Census of Agriculture there are over 65,000 equine farms with 465,000 horses, ponies, mules, etc. in Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. These farms may influence environmental and water quality due to equine manure collection, storage, spreading, and disposal practices. A manure management survey was mailed to 2000 New Jersey equine farms during the winter of 2006-2007. The objective of this survey was to determine management practices on New Jersey horse farms, develop a profile of what well managed farms are doing, and target future programs for education. Of the 2,000 surveys sent, 472 were returned; 18.5% were from training or performance farms, and the remainder (81.5%) were from breeding, boarding, or pleasure farms. Fifty-four percent of all farms indicated that they spread manure on farm. Of those who spread, only 27% indicated having more than 8.09 hectares (20 acres) available for spreading. Seventy-four percent had a designated area for manure storage. Eighty-three percent said their manure storage was greater than 200 feet from water or wetlands; 86% percent said storage was greater than 200 feet from neighbors. Data were modeled to determine the relationship of manure storage or manure spreading with other management practices. The storage model showed that farms with 6-10 horses were more likely to have manure storages than farms not included in the model. This model had a predictive accuracy of 83.3%, and R^{2}^ of 0.35 (P<0.01). The manure spreading model showed that those who spread manure were also likely to credit manure for its fertilizer value. The spreading model had an overall predictive accuracy of 95.5%, and R^{2}^ of 0.795 (P<0.01). These results indicate that while most equine farms did not pose a direct risk to water quality or to a neighbor, some do not currently utilize best management practices in managing, spreading, or storing manure.
Publications
- Westendorf. M. L.*, T. Joshua, S. J. Komar, C. Williams, and R. Govindasamy. 2009. Manure Management Practices on Equine Farms. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 87, E-Suppl. 2:243.
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