Beneficial Management Practices: Environmental Manual for Poultry Producers in Alberta

These farm practices guidelines were developed for Alberta poultry producers through the co-operation of industry, government and interested stakeholders to create greater awareness and understanding of beneficial management practices for the environment for poultry producers in Alberta. Information presented in this publication is based on the best available research data and years of experience. The guidelines presented are intended to provide a range of management options for poultry operations of various sizes. This document is a living document and will be updated regularly to incorporate new proven technologies and information on environmental practices. Individuals not experienced in poultry production practices should not extract portions of this publication, nor draw inference, without considering all aspects of production. These guidelines should not be adopted literally into legislation, in whole or in part, by any level of government.

Developed by:
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
Alberta Chicken Producers
Alberta Egg Producers
Alberta Hatching Egg Producers
Alberta Turkey Producers

Funded by:
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development Fund
Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture

Acknowledgements:
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association
Alberta Chicken Producers
Alberta Egg Producers
Alberta Environment
Alberta Hatching Egg Producers
Alberta Health and Wellness
Alberta Pork
Alberta Turkey Producers
B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Canadian Farm Business Management Council
Environmental Law Centre
Meristem Information Resources Ltd.
Intensive Livestock Working Group
LandWise Inc.
Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Texas A & M University
The Wilson Law Office
University of Alberta
Westpeake Consulting Ltd.

View/Print Manual by Chapter | Unit Conversion Factors

1.0 Introduction - 163K PDF - Approximate download time is 1 minute.

• 1.1 Client and Objective
• 1.2 Background

• 2.1 Air Quality
• 2.2 Odour
• 2.3 Dust
• 2.4 Gases
• 2.5 Pesticides
• 2.6 Pharmaceuticals
• 2.7 Pathogens
• 2.8 Soil Erosion and Compaction
• 2.9 Excess Nutrients
• 2.10 Groundwater Pollution Concerns
• 2.11 Nuisance
• 2.12 References

• 3.1 Environmental Law Relating to Poultry Production
• 3.2 Regulatory Approvals for Poultry Operations

• 4.1 What is Conflict?
• 4.2 Preventing Conflict
• 4.3 Managing Conflict
• 4.4 Resolving Conflict
• 4.5 References

• 5.1 Site Selection
• 5.2 Site Planning
• 5.3 Shutting Down Livestock Operations
• 5.4 References

• 6.1 Building Construction
• 6.2 Ventilation
• 6.3 Watering Facilities
• 6.4 Feed Facilities
• 6.5 Manure Handling Systems
• 6.6 Cage Housing, Deep Pit System
• 6.7 Cage Housing, Shallow Pit System
• 6.8 Cage Housing, Liquid System
• 6.9 Cage Housing, Manure Belt System
• 6.10 Floor Housing, Litter System
• 6.11 Floor Housing, Heated Floor System
• 6.12 Floor Housing, Partially Slatted Floor System
• 6.13 Poultry Ranges
• 6.14 Runoff Control and Collection
• 6.15 Nutrition
• 6.16 Pest Control
• 6.17 References

• 7.1 Introduction
• 7.2 Manure Storage Capacity
• 7.3 Temporary Manure Storage
• 7.4 Manure Storage Structures
• 7.5 Maintenance and Monitoring
• 7.6 Manure Transportation
• 7.7 Manure Treatment
• 7.8 References

• 8.1 Nutrient Value of Manure
• 8.2 Manure Analysis
• 8.3 Soil Analysis
• 8.4 Crop Nutrient Requirements
• 8.5 Methods of Manure Application
• 8.6 Time of Application
• 8.7 Calibration of Spreading Equipment
• 8.8 Record Keeping
• 8.9 Other Beneficial Management Practices
• 8.10 Manure Management Planning Case Study
• 8.11 Appendix: Spreading Equipment Calibration

• 9.1 Disposal of Dead Animals
• 9.2 Disposal of Veterinary Waste
• 9.3 Disposal of Chemical Farm Waste
• 9.4 Leaks and Spills
• 9.5 Options for Disposing of Contaminated Soils

• Phosphorus is elemental P.
• Phosphate is P₂O₅, which is a fertilizer unit.
• Potassium is elemental K.
• Potash is K₂O, which is a fertilizer unit.
• Nitrogen is N.
• Organic nitrogen is organic N = total N – inorganic N (or ammonium N).
• Total nitrogen is total N = organic N + inorganic N.
• Inorganic N (also called mineral or plant-available N) is ammonium N and nitrate N.
• Most of the inorganic N in manure is in ammonium form.

• 1 kilogram (kg) = 2.205 lb = 35.28 ounces = 1,000 milligrams (mg)
• 1 km = 1,000 metres (m) = 3,281 feet = 39,370 inches = 0.6214 miles
• 1 m³ = 1,000 litres (L) = 220 gallons (Imperial) = 264.2 gallons (U.S.)
• 1 hectare (ha) = 10,000 m2 = 107,639 ft.2 = 2.471 acres
• 1 kg/ha = 1.12 lb./ac.
• 1 tonne = 1,000 kg = 2,205 lb. = 1.1025 tons (short)
• 1% = 10 kg/tonne = 10,000 mg/kg = 10,000 parts per million (ppm)
• 1 ppm = 1 mg/kg (solid) or 1 mg/L (liquid)
• 1 lb. (or kg) of P = 2.29 lb. (or kg) of P2O5
• 1 lb. (or kg) of K = 1.2 lb. (or kg) of K2O
• 1 ppm N, P or K (in 6 inches or 15 cm soil depth) is approximately equal to 1.8 lb. of N, P or K/ac. = 2 kg of N, P or K/ha.
• 1 ppm N, P or K (in 12 inches or 30 cm soil depth) is approximately equal to 3.6 lb. of N, P or K/ac. = 4 kg of N, P or K/ha.