The Christensen Cattle Company, a family-owned operation in Nebraska, has revolutionized its beef cattle feeding operations. They implemented a unique manure management system that addresses manure disposal challenges while enhancing cattle weight gains and crop yields.
The Role of the Brown Bear
At the center of this system is the Brown Bear, a powerful auger tractor designed specifically for manure management. This machine plays a crucial role in several key areas:
Improving Animal Weight Gains
The Brown Bear dries and aerates manure in the cattle pens. This creates a cleaner and drier environment. As a result, the improved footing reduces energy expenditure for the animals. They can now channel more energy toward weight gain. The average weight gain increased to 3.5 pounds per day per head, up from 1.75 pounds when pens were muddy.
Boosting Crop Yields
The composted manure, regularly turned and aerated by the Brown Bear, becomes a nutrient-rich soil amendment. This compost is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as secondary and micronutrients. Consequently, applying this compost to fields has increased corn yields from 80 bushels per acre to an average of 180 bushels per acre. Additionally, improved soil structure and water retention have reduced irrigation needs by 15% to 20%.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency
The Brown Bear efficiently removes manure from the pens, reducing moisture content and creating drier footing. This efficient removal minimizes transportation costs by allowing more volume to be transported in fewer truckloads. Moreover, the machine operates over 95% of its scheduled work time, proving reliable and readily available.
Ultimately, the Christensen Cattle Company’s innovative manure management system, centered around the Brown Bear, showcases a successful model for sustainable cattle feeding operations. By transforming waste into a valuable resource, this system benefits both the environment and overall efficiency.
- Brown Bear Equipment Overview: Learn about various models of Brown Bear equipment.
- Innovative Manure Management: Explore innovative manure management solutions.
- Benefits of Composting: Understand the advantages of composting for agricultural operations.
- Benefits of Manure Management: This article discusses the advantages of effective manure management systems in agriculture, highlighting practices that improve cattle health and crop yields. Grainews – Composting as a Manure Handling Option .
- Nutrient Management for Beef Cattle: The University of Nebraska-Lincoln provides resources on nutrient management in beef cattle operations, which can complement the information about improved weight gains and crop yields from composted manure. University of Nebraska-Lincoln – Nutrient Management .
- Composting Benefits for Agriculture: This resource from the USDA discusses how composting can enhance soil health and crop production, relevant to the benefits seen by the Christensen Cattle Company. USDA – Composting Benefits .
