MINERAL-COMPOSITION OF POULTRY MANURE IN SOUTH-AFRICA WITH REFERENCE TO THE FARM FEED ACT

The mineral composition of poultry manure and litter from poultry ente rprises throughout South Africa was determined. The manure contained h igh concentrations of macro and micro minerals. Ash content levels in more than 40% of the Breeder and Pullet litter and 80% of the Layer sa mples were higher than levels stipulated as acceptable for the Farm Fe ed Act of South Africa (Act 36 of 1947). More than 54% of the Pullet a nd Layer samples and 80% of the Broiler and Breeder samples contained less P than stipulated by law. The Cu concentration of most of the sam ples was below the legal limit of < 50 mg/kg. Only 3.8% of the Broiler , 17.8% of the Pullet, 4.5% of the Layer and 1.5% of the Breeder sampl es contained an acceptable concentration of minerals to qualify for re gistration as an animal feed. It is suggested that the minimum legal l evels for P should be reduced and the maximum limits for Na should be increased.