Sustainable manure management systems in beef cattle feedlots

Abstract

The population of feeder cattle in feedlots is not significant compared to the total cattle population. However, the intensive management system in feedlots has negative impact on the environment. Currently, there is limited information on manure handling in the beef cattle feedlots in Indonesia. This study aimed to describe the manure management system of surveyed feedlots in Lampung Province, Indonesia. The method of this study was descriptive with field observation and survey in three feedlots in Lampung. Data related to manure management were collected on the farm, while the data on manure management systems, animal characteristics, and housing system were gathered from questionnaires in the survey. The data were described and analysed using comparison with previous studies. The result showed that the surveyed feedlots utilize manure as organic fertilizer. The manure and effluent were treated and pumped onto forage fields. One feedlot company with an advanced manure treatment facility has implemented a sustainable manure management strategy. The study suggests further research to measure the carbon cycle for several types of feedlot’s manure management systems as an environmental product declares of beef cattle production in Indonesia.