Are Our Feeding Programs Contributing to Environmental Contamination?

Abstract

New Federal regulations related to concentrated animal feeding operations will prompt many states to increase permitting of these facilities. Included in the permit process with be greater accountability of land application of manure nutrients. In areas where livestock producers do not have sufficient land available for crop production to utilize manure nutrients, alternative utilization methods will need to be identified. The first logical step is to evaluate the dietary nutrient concentrations and make source reductions by reducing these inputs. It is critical that least cost ration formulation include the cost of manure nutrient utilization. Practitioners can assist their clients: identify reliable sources of information, understand new regulations and associated critical control points, assist clients with compliance assistance programs, encourage clients to keep records, identify consultants with expertise in crop production, assist clients in checking references of potential consultants, and encourage clients to make direct contact with regulatory agency staff.