For effective use as fertilizer, manure properties must be known. This model allows feedlot operators, nutrient management specialists and regulatory agencies to predict properties of manure so long as rations, bedding usage, and moisture content is known.
Feedlot manure is composed of feed residue, moisture, bedding, and soil (the manure pack). Each of these has a significant impact on the total mass of manure production. Feed is consumed, and then residue and fibre is removed in the form of manure. When moisture is removed, feed residue is known as dry matter, and the amount excreted will vary according to type of rations. Moisture is deposited in the form of urine and precipitation and the amount will vary according to climate. Bedding usage is impacted by both the climate and the size of animal - colder temperatures and larger animals require more bedding. The amount of soil removed with manure varies with moisture conditions of the feedlot, and more soil is removed in a wet spring than in a dry fall.