Health and environmental implications of using composted household and yard waste bedding in a cattle feedlot

• Published in: Journal of animal science 2000-03, Vol.78 (3), p.495-503
• Main Authors: Zehnder, C. M, DiCostanzo, A, Thate, K, Gilland, R, Murphy, M. J, Halbach, T. R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal Husbandry - methods; Animal productions; Animals; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Cattle; Cattle - physiology; Composting; Copper - analysis; Environmental impact; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Housing, Animal; Humidity; Kidney - chemistry; Lead - analysis; Liver - chemistry; Manure; Pollution; Temperature; Terrestrial animal productions; Urban and domestic wastes; Vertebrates; Waste Products; Wastes; Zea mays
• ISSN: 0021-8812; 1525-3163; 0021-8812
• DOI: 10.2527/2000.783495x

A study was conducted to determine the safety and feasibility of using municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) as a bedding material for cattle feedlots. Two pens in an open-front pole barn were bedded with either corn stalks or MSWC in each of two feeding periods (blocks) with two pens (23 x 34 m) per block. Block 1 used 336 heifers (initial BW, 398 kg) during a 104-d period (summer), and Block 2 used 276 steers (initial BW, 412 kg) during a 92-d period (winter). Blood concentrations of regulated elements (Cd, Cu, Mo, Pb, Ni, and Zn), electrolytes, glucose, or liver and kidney enzymes were unaffected (P > .05) by use of either bedding material. Polychlorinated biphenyls in perirenal fat were not detectable (< .5 ppm) in cattle bedded with either material. At slaughter, kidney Cu and kidney and liver Pb concentrations were greater (P < .05) for cattle bedded with MSWC. Despite this, tissue concentrations of these elements were well within those considered normal for healthy cattle. Regulated element concentrations of feed did not differ (P > .05) between diets within period, and neither did DMI or DM digestibility; therefore, cattle bedded with MSWC were likely inhaling additional amounts of these elements and excreting them through feces. More MSWC than corn stalks was required to supply a dry bed per animal daily (P < .05). Soiled bedding (manure as-is) output was similar (P > .05) for both bedding materials. On a DM basis, more manure (P < .05) was removed from the pen bedded with MSWC in Block 2. Total manure N and P removed was similar for both bedding materials. Nitrogen and P concentrations in manure were lower (P < .05) during Block 2, but total manure N removed was greater (P < .05) during Block 2. Total manure P removed from the pens was not affected by season. Under the conditions of this study, MSWC seemed to be a safe and effective bedding material for cattle feedlots.