Feed management is the process of managing the quantity of nutrients fed to livestock for their intended purpose. This involves development of diets that supply the quantity of available nutrients required by livestock for maintenance, production, performance and reproduction. Supplying nutrients in excess of animal requirements results in additional nutrients being excreted.
The NRCS Conservation Practice Standard (Code 592) Feed Management was developed with the purpose of supplying the quantity of available nutrients required by livestock, while reducing the quantity of nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus excreted in manure by minimizing the overfeeding of these nutrients. Currently, feed management is an option of a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP). Producers can request feed management as part of a CNMP. Only certified feed mangement planners (CFM) can complete a plan. One requirement is that fecal/manure samples be taken to set the baseline prior to any feed changes being made and fecal/manure samples taken over the course of the plan to document ration or feed management changes.
Fecal/manure samples submitted as part of this program must be tested by a certified manure testing laboratory. Penn State's Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory is certified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) for manure testing. Visit the MDA web site for a list of other certified manure testing labs.
What to Test For
Samples should be tested for nutrient content, particularly phosphorus. Standard Manure Test 1 is recommended. For additional trace elements, choose Standard Manure Test 2.
Service Fees
| Service | Includes the following: | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Manure Test 1 | Percent solids, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, ammonium-nitrogen | $40.00 |
| Standard Manure Test 2 | Percent solids, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, ammonium-nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, sodium, copper, zinc, manganese, iron, and aluminum | $50.00 |
If you have questions or need additional information on this program, please contact Virginia Ishler (vai1@psu.edu).
How to Submit Samples
Steps for submitting sample to this program are provided in: How to submit a CFM Fecal/Manure Sample. You will also need Fecal/Manure Sampling Instructions for Pennsylvania Feed Management Planners and a copy of the submission form, Certified Feed Management Planners Fecal/Manure Sample Submission Form.
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Ag Analytical Services Lab
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Email aaslab@psu.edu
- Office 814-863-0841
- Fax 814-863-4540
Ag Analytical Services Lab
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Email aaslab@psu.edu
- Office 814-863-0841
- Fax 814-863-4540
