Yes, several studies have shown that fecal starch is the main source of odorous compounds produced in feedlot manure. Therefore, practices that increase the starch digestibility of feedlot rations will decrease the amount of starch in the manure and the production of odorous compounds. Typically, this will be accomplished by how the grain used in the ration is processed. For example, feeding high-moisture ensiled corn instead of dry rolled corn will reduce the production of these odorous compounds. Other practices that should provide a similar reduction in fecal starch are steam flaking or grinding the grain that is used in the ration.
Author: Shawn Archibeque, Colorado State University
