Dairy Manure Management
Calculate manure storage volume requirements, daily production, and nutrient content for dairy herd manure management planning.
Inputs
Results
Required Storage Volume
76,901 cu ft
≈ 44 backyard pools
Required Storage Volume
575,217 gallons
≈ 44 backyard pools
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter herd size and average body weight per cow.
- Set manure management system type (lagoon, solid stack, anaerobic digester).
- Input nutrient application rates for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Review total annual manure volume and estimated nutrient value per acre.
- Use nutrient output to reduce commercial fertilizer purchases and comply with nutrient management plans.
How the result changes with Herd Size
| Herd Size | Required Storage Volume | Required Storage Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 5,001 | 1,922,901 cu ft | 14,383,297 gallons |
| 17,501 | 6,729,191 cu ft | 50,334,348 gallons |
| 32,500 | 12,496,355 cu ft | 93,472,734 gallons |
| 45,000 | 17,302,645 cu ft | 129,423,786 gallons |
What each input means
- Herd Size
- Total number of cows producing manure (lactating + dry).
- Average Cow Weight
- Average body weight per cow. Holstein average is ~1,400 lbs; Jersey ~1,000 lbs.
- Storage Period
- Number of days of manure storage capacity needed. Regulations often require 120-180 days.
- Bedding Addition
- Percentage increase in volume from bedding material (sand, straw, sawdust). Typically 5-15%.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input Parameters4 parametersHerd Size = 200, Average Cow Weight = 1400, Storage Period = 180, Bedding Addition = 10 = 4 input(s) provided
- Calculate Required Storage VolumeRequired Storage Volume76901 = 76901
- Calculate Required Storage VolumeRequired Storage Volume575217 = 575217
- Calculate Daily Manure ProductionDaily Manure Production24080 = 24080
- Calculate Daily Manure ProductionDaily Manure Production12.04 = 12.04
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