Late-Stage Management of Fermentation Beds
Proper management of the litter in biological fermentation houses is crucial for maintaining a healthy and efficient system. The goal is to balance the pigs' waste output with the litter's ability to process it. Factors such as pig growth, climate, and environmental changes can all influence the performance of the litter. A well-maintained litter should have no ammonia smell, a humidity level around 45%, not be compacted, remain loose, maintain a temperature of approximately 45°C, and have a pH between 7 and 8.
Key daily management practices include:
1. Regularly turning the litter with a depth of at least 40 cm and adjusting the bedding 1–2 times per week. Spreading out the litter ensures even nutrient distribution and better manure absorption. Since pig manure serves as a nutrient source for beneficial microorganisms, concentrated waste should be spread into drier areas and buried to promote faster decomposition.
2. If the surface becomes too dry and dusty, use a fork to distribute the manure in drier sections. If this isn’t enough, lightly spray water on the surface to prevent dust formation and maintain moisture levels.
3. When the litter is overly wet and has a strong ammonia smell, add fresh sawdust and rice husks, then thoroughly mix the entire bed to improve aeration and reduce moisture.
4. Post-slaughter litter management:
a) After pigs are removed, completely turn over the litter and re-stack it for further fermentation. Add rice hulls, sawdust, or microbial mixtures as needed before re-fermenting.
b) Once fermentation is complete, spread the litter evenly and cover it with 10 cm of new rice husks and sawdust. Wait 24 hours to ensure the surface is free of dust before reintroducing pigs. Refilling the litter after slaughter is essential, as the high temperatures during fermentation (up to 70°C) help kill pathogens, similar to traditional disinfection methods.
5. Summer management:
a) When swine manure accumulates, spread it within 20 cm of the litter center to encourage rapid fermentation.
b) Keep curtains open for ventilation and moisture control in the fermentation area.
c) In hot and humid conditions, enhance ventilation using negative pressure systems, lower curtains, and activate fans to improve air exchange.
6. Avoid pouring large amounts of water directly into the litter, as excess moisture can disrupt the microbial balance.
7. Since all pigs in the same pen form a small ecological system, their health and behavior must be closely monitored. Any signs of abnormal fermentation should be addressed immediately. New pigs should be dewormed and treated for pests. Maintain appropriate stocking densities: 0.8–1.2 m² per medium-sized pig and 1.2–1.5 m² per large pig. Overcrowding can overwhelm the litter’s capacity, while understocking reduces efficiency.
Specific operational steps include:
(1) Monitor feed intake: Ensure pigs have access to food for 24 hours. If they run out, they may eat more litter than necessary, which, while not harmful, could lead to malnutrition if excessive.
(2) Check litter levels: If the amount is low, replenish it regularly. Fermented litter serves as an additional feed source, and pigs naturally enjoy eating it. Even with free-choice feeding, some litter will be consumed, so timely refilling is important.
(3) Monitor moisture content: Ideal moisture is about 45%. The top layer should be slightly dry (30% moisture), the middle layer around 50%, and the bottom anaerobic layer up to 60%. To check, press the litter: 30% moisture feels slightly damp but not wet; 50% requires more effort to squeeze out water; 60% forms a ball but doesn’t drip. If too dry, mist with water or add a small amount of microbial starter. If too wet, aerate by turning the litter and opening windows. This helps speed up fermentation, reduce moisture, and improve air circulation.
(4) Maintain microbial balance: The smell of the litter is a key indicator. It should be slightly fermented, not foul. If it smells like ammonia, it may mean the litter can’t keep up with waste. Solutions include increasing litter thickness, adding microbial agents, turning the bed to improve aeration, or reducing pig density when they grow larger.
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