An Economic Analysis of Swine Waste Silage as Sheep Feed Ingredient

Abstract

Abstract Iñiguez-Covarrubias, G., Franco-Gómez, Ma. de J. and Castañeda- Huizar, P. 1995. An economic analysis of swine waste silage as sheep feed ingredient. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 9: 61–71. The characterization and evaluation of the nutrient composition of swine waste silage as a feedstuff and its comparison with a conventional sheep diet, have established a basis for estimating the monetary value of the silage. It was concluded that $85.60 was the maximum supportable cost that could be paid per ton of swine waste silage for an expected growth rate of 44.7 g/day when a conventional sheep diet that allows a daily gain of 218 g/day costs $181.5. Considering the monthly production and operation costs, to produce 286 tons/month of swine waste silage, it was shown that the cost per produced ton (dry basis), equals to the maximum supportable cost that could be paid per ton of swine waste silage. Therefore, the pig producers must consider the initial investment required for manure processing as a necessary investment for manure handling and disposal and not necessarily as a business. With proper attention in the economical balance, swine waste silage can be incorporated in sheep gestation and growing-finishing rations contributing to alleviate pollution problems, decrease feed costs, increase supplies of available nitrogen and essential mineral sources and create new employment opportunities.