Studies on Fundamental Dynamic Properties of Rough Materials in Livestock Farming in Relation to Bulk Handling (I)

On Consistency of Feces of Livestock

Abstract

Some Atterberg consistency constants (Att. consts.) of feces of livestock were investigated, considering their relations to mechanical handling. Results obtained may be summarized as follows:
1. Att. consts. of feces of dairy cattle, sheep and goat are larger than those of swine, which are, however, considerably larger than those of Nasu volcanic sandy loam.
2. Among the same kind of livestock, the increase of feeding rate of roughage makes Att, coasts. larger, perhaps because of intertwining effect of crude fiber.
3. The relations between Att. consts. and moisture contents of feces in the barn suggest that adding a small quantity of water to the surface will be able to prevent adhesion of feces to manure implements.
4. It seems to be preferable to float away clotted feces than to liquefy them with large amount of water.