Stewart W. Melvin Iowa State University

Publish Date: June 3, 2006

Manure management is an integral part of a modern swine production system. If manure is not handled in a sanitary method, diseases or other problems can occur, reducing overall production efficiency. Facilities with slurry or liquid storage require careful equipment design to adequately distribute the material to a terminal site. The terminal site is usually cropland.

Publish Date: June 3, 2006

Scraper systems are a means of removing manure and other wastes from swine buildings for storage or treatment outside the building. Like other methods that allow for frequent waste removal, they reduce odor and gas production within the building from stored wastes and improve the environment. Scraper systems are adaptable to gestation, farrowing, nursery and finishing buildings and may be used either under slats or in open gutters. They can be installed in new buildings or incorporated into existing buildings. The wastes can be transported to the storage or treatment area by pumps, other mechanical means, or gravity, and full automation can usually be achieved.