USE OF DEJECT POND IN A CONTAINMENT IN DAIRY PROPERTY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF DOURADINA-MS

Abstract

The correct handling and storage of waste (stool, urine and wasted water from drinking fountains) produced by cattle in feedlots is a concern for producers. This procedure, if performed incorrectly, can cause serious problems for the environment and for the animals themselves. However, when the management is carried out properly, manure can bring many benefits to the property, as they are fertilizers that can be used in grain and forage production, in addition to reducing endo and ectoparasite infestations. In this context, the objective of this work was to characterize the benefits of using a manure pond in a demonstrative unit of milk production in Douradina, MS. The property has a confinement of dairy cows in three covered sheds, kept in the compost barn system. The areas are separated so that the straw bed has no contact with the wet part, in which animal waste is washed and channeled to the ponds through pipes. The lakes are on average 20 meters long, six meters wide and two meters deep, with a capacity of 240m3, covered with a plastic blanket to avoid contamination of the soil and water. The wet area is washed daily so that waste does not accumulate in the area. The ponds are emptied approximately every 20 days and the residues are sent to be sprayed on the crops, serving as a substitute for chemical fertilizers. The use of the waste pond resulted in greater well-being for these animals, better environmental sanitation and less risk of disease, with no harm to the soil. There was also greater profitability for the producer due to their use as biofertilizers, which resulted in greater pasture production per hectare. It is concluded, therefore, that the use of ponds is an excellent option for the proper destination of manure, which avoids undue disposal, ensuring soil conservation and improving the development of milk production and pasture growth.