A feed management plan provides a systematic approach to evaluating the relationship of feed management to whole farm nutrient management. If animals are more closely fed to recommended levels (for example, reducing CP or P in a dairy ration to NRC guidelines), the amount of nutrients not used and excreted in the manure is reduced. Adding phytase for non-ruminants increases the ability of the animal to utilize feed phosphorus and reduces the amount needed in the ration.
The amount of reduction of nutrients in manure is based on many factors, but reductions of 10 to 40% are not uncommon. This can then reduce the amount of land needed for manure application by up to one-third, depending on state regulations and soil test P levels.
Kevin Erb, University of Wisconsin Extension
