246 



Operational costs, i.e. parts and service, over the 2-year testing 

 period were less than $50. One part had to be rewelded, the oil and 

 filter were changed, and antifreeze was added to the radiator. Chicken 

 manure caused rapid corrosion of metal parts, and at^the end of a 2-year 

 period, the shields covering the tiller's tines were practically rusted 

 away and replacements were needed. These shields were very important 

 since they prevented manure from being thrown up into the cages during 

 tilling and staining the eggs. 

 Tilling can be Incorporated in an Integrated Control Program 



insect growth regulators such as CGA 72662 can be applied topically 

 to manure as a spot treatment in hot spots, areas with thriving popu- 

 lations of fly larvae. When tilled into manure, CGA 72662 will prevent 

 fly resurgence for up to 5 weeks. Similar tests were not attempted 

 with methoprene because it decomposes so rapidly. 



Wood chips can be added to hot spots or wet spots and tilled in to 

 give manure consistency and aid in the drying process. When chips are 

 added to semi liquid manure, flat mounds will begin to form if manure is 

 tilled daily for 1 week. Once chips are added, manure can become 

 attractive to house flies if moisture levels are right (Kilpatrick and 

 Schoof, 1959). Tilling should continue in an attempt to reduce moisture 

 levels below those preferred for fly breeding. 



Addition of sand to semi liquid manure causes manure to thicken and 

 become heavy. The extra weight causes manure to be difficult to handle 

 and can cause damage to manure spreading equipment. Tilling semi liquid 

 manure without the addition of a stabilizer is of no value and drying 

 does not begin until some texture can be given to the manure. 



