Replacement of straw by saw-dust or wood-shavings in fattening pig buildings : effect on composting of litters

The effects of different litter compounds (straw, saw-dust and wood-shavings) on the amount of manure produced per pig and the composting ability of the litter were studied in two trials. With 60 kg of straw each pig produced 200 kg of dung.Using only 40 kg of wood-shavings the amount of manure was reduced by 15%. However, when 70 to 80 kg of saw-dust were used, manure production increased by 5 to 10% when compared to straw.Average nitrogen output was 1,4 kg per pig on straw-litter while less than 1 kg when straw was replaced by saw-dust or wood-shavings. The manure was turned-over mechanically three times and composted for three months.Weight loss during composting of litter produced with saw-dust or wood-shavings was -30% while that for straw - litter was -45%.