The Rural Voice, 1978-06, Page 38Reduce manure runoff
to improve water
quality
The majority of the phosphorus from
livestock operations that enters the Great
Lakes water system arises from faulty
management, according to a recent study
at the University of Guelph. The study
found that over half the phosphorus
originating in manure came from livestock
operations that were located within 40 feet
of an open drainage channel. Another 20
per cent of the load came from spreading
manure on frozen ground.
The results of the study show that
livestock manure may be the source of
about 20 per cent of the total phosphorus
reaching streams from agricultural activit-
ies an amount which the authors found
surprisingly low. A large part of the
remainder appears to come from erosion of
land surfaces.
These observations result from a study
conducted in the department of environ-
mental biology, University of Guelph by
Dennis Draper and Prof. J.B. Robinson.
The study shows that improved manure
management and application practices on
Ontario farms could significantly reduce
the amount of phosphorus originating in
manure that occurs in annual run-off.
The major sources are storm and
snow -melt run-off from open feedlots and
outdoor manure storage, and the run-off
manure spread too close to water courses
in winter.
In order to improve the situation around
feedlots, the installations of berms, broad
grassed water ways, or retention ponds
with clean water diversions above the lots
will be needed, according to Mr. Draper.
Where winter spreading of manure
cannot be avoided, it should be put on
fields where an area of perennial
vegetation lies between the spreading area
and stream courses, the report states. This
will greatly reduce the amount of
phosphorus that reaches the stream.
Overland flow of run-off water from barn
yards and from field spreading reduces the
phosphorus load in proportion to distance.
This is the reason that feedlots and winter
spreading operations should be kept as far
as possible from open ditches and water
courses.
The report also recommends further
study of the problems resulting from
allowing cattle access to streams during
the summer. Preliminary estimates indic-
ate that there is potential for a substantial
amount of phosphorus in streams arising
from this cause. In addition, the practice
increases stream bank erosion, with the
result that significant amounts of sediment
and associated nutrients are carried away.
Check cattle
for interior parasites
Ten years ago parasites were among the
last things considered when cattle weren't
doing well.
Now they are one of the first things
veterinarians consider, says Dennis Mc-
Knight, lecturer at Kemptville College of
Agricultural Technology.
All cattle have a few stomach or
intestinal worths, but usually cattle and
parasites live in relative harmony. Action
must be taken when this harmony is
destroyed because of animal stress or
heavy parasite contamination.
Mr. McKnight says economic losses
from internal parasites can be high,
especially with younger stock.
"Damage to digestive systems and loss
of nutrients to parasites leads to poor feed
conversion, lowered disease resistance and
reduced performance."
Depending on the levels of infestation,
parasitized steers may gain .90 pounds per
day less. Dairy cows can produce up to 400
pounds less milk per lactation than
properly -treated cattle.
Fecal examination by a veterinarian or
veterinary laboratory is the best way to
Dave . Morrissey Paiats
L I M I T E D
RURAL AND INDUSTRIAL PAINTING
Sandblasting, High Pressure Water Cleaning
R.R.#3, AILSA CRAIG, ONTARIO
CREDITON (519) 234-6202
For free estimates call collect
Floyd Baechler, R.R.1 Shakespeare, Ont.
[519] 655-2794 or Crediton 1519]234-6202
PG. 38. THE RURAL VOICE/JUNE- 1978.
detect and identify the type of parasite.
Sample three times a year in July,
November and March. Twenty percent of
calves and 20 percent of yearlings and
adults should be sampled.
Mr. McKnight says veterinarians do not
recommend routine worming procedures.
Deworm cattle only when they need it.
If deworming is necessary, veterinarians
will prescribe either thiabendazole or
trimsol. Both are sold in tablet, powder and
pellet form. They can be administered as a
drench, mixed in the feed, or pushed into
the stomach. Costs range from 60 cents to
$1 per head, depending on the weight of
cattle and form of dosage.
"This is a small price to pay for reduced
disease and better overall animal perform-
ance."
GLAVIN BROS.
BARN PAINTING
Sand Blasting
High Pressure
Water Cleaning
Airless Spray Equipment
and Aerial Boom Trucks
Free Estimates Call Collect
R.R.#1 Crediton
Mike -228-6256
Jim -228-6247
Attention Farmers:
•Lustom General Machining
•Welding
•Spray Welding for worn surfaces
•Custom Railings
C ENTRAL MACHINING
Steven Rathwell Edgar Rathwell
Phone
482-3523
R.R.#5, Clinton
Next to Base Factory Outlet at Vanastra