Revising the nutrient balance sheet for estimating phosphorus loading in laying hen production
Marc-Olivier Gasser
Researcher, agr., Ph.D.
418 643-2380
ext 650
Description
Nutrient balance sheets (NBS) are used to estimate phosphorus loads produced by rearing facilities, but currently are not recognized in the Agricultural Operations Regulation (AOR). A project was set up in cooperation with Fédération des producteurs d’oeufs du Québec and a number of producers to test the nutrient balance sheet method as a tool for estimating phosphorus output from pullets and laying hens in case the AOR is amended. The project consisted of evaluating the phosphorus retention factor, the accuracy of the method, and “sensitive” parameters, and generating test criteria for producers. A guide presenting and explaining the results was published along with the necessary training materials.
Objective(s)
- Testing the nutrient balance sheet (NBS) method
- Producing a guide and required training materials to provide people who use the NBS method in fresh egg and pullet production with a reliable tool for evaluating phosphorus loads at production facilities in case the Agricultural Operations Regulation is amended.
From 2016 to 2018
Project duration
Livestock production
Activity areas
Water protection, Fertilizer management, Environmental regulations
Services
This project will provide growers with a tool to estimate phosphorus discharge from their farms.
Partner
Quebec Reference Center for Agriculture and Agri-food
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