218 



FEEDS AND FEEDING, ABRIDGED 



water content checking fermentation. Sheep manure has the highest 

 value per ton, based on the fertility it furnishes, and pig manure the 

 lowest. Mixed farm manure contains about 10 lbs. of nitrogen, 5 lbs. 

 of phosphoric acid, and 10 lbs. of potash per ton. 



The total value of the fertilizing constituents in the manure voided 

 annually by the various farm animals per 1,000 lbs. live weight is about 

 as follows: horse, $30.12; cow, $36.14; sheep, $29.70; and pig, $38.08. 



Losses in farm manures. — While manure is one of the most valuable 

 products of the farm, many farmers who freely purchase commercial 



Fig. 62. — A Manure Shed and Pit 



When manure ia packed solidly in such a shed as this, with concrete founda- 

 tion, there is but little loss from fermentation and none from leaching. (From 

 Hoard's Dairyman.) 



fertilizers allow much of the value of the manure produced by their 

 live stock to be washed away in streams or otherwise needlessly lost. 

 It is most important to realize that manure is a highly perishable 

 product, and that unless proper care is taken of it over half its value 

 may be lost. Plant food may be wasted thru: (1) Loss of urine, 

 (2) loss by leaching, (3) loss of nitrogen by fermentation. Tho all 

 the phosphoric acid is excreted in the feces, on the average over 40 

 per ct. of the nitrogen and 60 per ct. of the potash voided by farm 

 animals is in the urine. Pound for pound, the urine has a greater 



