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Nutrient Management Protocol
Part 3 - Nutrient Units: How Farmers Determine Whether Their Farm Units are Subject to the Regulation

Author: OMAFRA Staff; MOE Staff
Creation Date: 20 July 2007
Last Reviewed: 20 July 2007

| Table of Contents | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 |
| Part 11 | Part 12 | Appendix |

Table of Contents

  2. Table 3.1 - Livestock Information: Type, Nutrient Amount. Nutrient Unit and Housing Capacity

Using the nutrient units ("NU") concept helps ensure an 'apples to apples' comparison between sizes and types of farm units. Land application requirements for a farm unit, are based on the specific farm unit's NMP, not NUs. NUs are not the same as livestock units, which are used in regimes other than the Nutrient Management Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, and which have been used for the purpose of calculating Minimum Distance Separation setbacks in the previous version of that document.

3.1 Using Nutrient Units to Determine the Obligations of Agricultural Operations Carried Out at a Farm Unit

For agricultural operations with farm animals it is necessary to determine the number of NUs managed on a farm unit. The number of NUs generated on a farm unit by a particular type of farm animal is calculated by dividing the number of farm animals by the number given in the Nutrient Units Column shown on Table 3.1 Livestock Information: Type, Nutrient Amount, Nutrient Unit and Housing Capacity. If the farm unit has more than one type of farm animal present on it then this calculation would have to be completed for each type of animal separately, then all the results totaled to give the total NU generated by farm animals on the farm.



Table 3.1 - Livestock Information: Type, Nutrient Amount. Nutrient Unit and Housing Capacity

Type: Beef

Beef
Sub TypeSub-Sub TypeAverage Weight (kg)Utilization (%)Liquid Amount (m31000 kg/day)Liquid DM* (%)Solid Amount
(m31000 kg/day)
Solid DM* (%)Nutrient Units (animal/NU)Livestock Housing Capacity
(m2 animal)
Backgrounders
(7 - 12.5 months)		 Confinement 308 90 0.0724 9.0 0.0604 22 3 4.65
Backgrounders
(7 - 12.5 months)		 Yard/Barn 308 90    0.0604 22 3 3.72
Brood Cows (includes calves to weaning) Confinement 590 100 0.0724 9.0 0.0604 30 1 9.29
Brood Cows (includes calves to weaning) Deep Bedded 590 100    0.0812 45 1 9.29
Brood Cows (includes calves to weaning) Yard/Barn 590 100    0.0604 30 1 4.65
Feeders
(7 -16 months)		 Confinement Bedded Pack 362 75    0.0687. 30 3 4.65
Feeders
(7 -16 months)		 Confinement Pack Scrape 362 75 0.0724 9.0 0.0604 22 3 4.65
Feeders
(7 -16 months)		 Confinement Total Slats 362 75 0.0724 9.0    3 1.86
Feeders
(7 -16 months)		 Yard/Barn 362 75    0.0604 22 3 4.18
Short Keep
(12.5 - 17.5 months)		 Confinement 469 83 0.0724 9.0 0.0604 22 2 6.04

Type: Chickens

Chickens
Sub TypeSub-Sub TypeAverage Weight (kg)Utilization (%)Liquid Amount (m31000 kg/day)Liquid DM* (%)Solid Amount
(m31000 kg/day)
Solid DM* (%)Nutrient Units (animal/NU)Livestock Housing Capacity
(m2 animal)
Broiler Breeder Growers (females + males transferred out) Floor System 0.708 83    0.1124 60 300 0.158
Broiler Breeder Layer (females + males transferred in) Cages 3.04 90    0.0749 60 100 0.121
Broiler Breeder Layer (females + males transferred in) Litter With Slats 2.63 90    0.0562 65 100 0.195
Broilers 8 Week Cycle 0.635 70    0.1249 60 351 0.071
Broilers 9 Week Cycle 0.726 70    0.1249 60 300 0.083
Broilers 10 Week Cycle 0.862 70    0.1249 60 250 0.099
Broilers 12 Week Cycle 1.09 70    0.1249 60 199 0.124
Layer Pullets (day olds) Cages 0.408 83 0.1124 13.9 0.0624 25 500 0.028
Layer Pullets (day olds) Litter 0.408 83    0.1249 58 500 0.186
Laying Hens Belt And Other Removal System (daily) 1.43 96 0.1124 11.1 0.0624 20 150 
Laying Hens Belt With Air Drying (daily) 1.43 96    0.0624 30 150 
Laying Hens High Rise - Stored In Barn 1.43 96    0.0624 20 150 
Laying Hens Liquid - Stored In Barn 1.43 96 0.1124 11.1    150 

Type: Chinchilla

Chinchilla
Sub TypeSub-Sub TypeAverage Weight (kg)Utilization (%)Liquid Amount (m31000 kg/day)Liquid DM* (%)Solid Amount
(m31000 kg/day)
Solid DM* (%)Nutrient Units (animal/NU)Livestock Housing Capacity
(m2 animal)
Breeding Females
(including males/rep/market animals)		  0.567 100    0.1561 66 320 0.743

Type: Dairy

Dairy
Sub TypeSub-Sub TypeAverage Weight (kg)Utilization (%)Liquid Amount (m31000 kg/day)Liquid DM* (%)Solid Amount
(m31000 kg/day)
Solid DM* (%)Nutrient Units (animal/NU)Livestock Housing Capacity
(m2 animal)
Calves Large Frame  90.7 100 0.0750 11.0 0.0955 45 6 3.25
Calves Medium Frame (Guernsey Size)  74.4 100 0.0750 11.0 0.0955 45 7 2.97
Calves Small Frame (Jersey Size)  60.8 100 0.0750 11.0 0.0955 45 8.5 2.60
Heifers Large Frame Deep Bedded 295 100    0.0516 40 2 6.50
Heifers Large Frame Free Stall 295 100 0.0714 11.0 0.0599 19 2 6.97
Heifers Large Frame Manure Pack Outside Access 295 100    0.0516 40 2 3.72
Heifers Large Frame Pack Scrape 1 Side 295 100 0.0714 11.0 0.0516 40 2 9.29
Heifers Large Frame Pack Scrape 2 Sides 295 100 0.0714 11.0 0.0516 40 2 8.36
Heifers Medium Frame (Guernsey Size) Deep Bedded 249 100    0.0516 40 2.4 5.20
Heifers Medium Frame (Guernsey Size) Free Stall 249 100 0.0714 11.0 0.0599 19 2.4 5.57
Heifers Medium Frame (Guernsey Size) Pack Scrape 249 100 0.0714 11.0 0.0516 40 2.4 7.43
Heifers Small Frame (Jersey Size) Deep Bedded 204 100    0.0516 40 2.9 4.65
Heifers Small Frame (Jersey Size) Free Stall 204 100 0.0714 11.0 0.0599 19 2.9 4.92
Heifers Small Frame (Jersey Size) Pack Scrape 204 100 0.0714 11.0 0.0516 40 2.9 6.50
Milking Age Cows Large Frame 4 Row Free Stall Head To Head 635 100 0.1165 9.1 0.0952 21 0.7 11.6
Milking Age Cows Large Frame 4 Row Free Stall Tail To Tail 635 100 0.1165 9.1 0.0952 21 0.7 10.2
Milking Age Cows Large Frame 6 Row Free Stall 635 100 0.1165 9.1 0.0952 21 0.7 9.29
Milking Age Cows Large Frame Bedded Pack 635 100    0.1020 45 0.7 16.7
Milking Age Cows Large Frame Pack Scrape 635 100 0.1165 9.1 0.1020 45 0.7 16.7
Milking Age Cows Large Frame 3 Row Free Stall 635 100 0.1165 9.1 0.0952 21 0.7 9.76
Milking Age Cows Large Frame Sand 635 100 0.1264 9.1 0.1051 21 0.7 
Milking Age Cows Large Frame Tie Stall 635 100 0.1165 9.1 0.0952 21 0.7 10.2
Milking Age Cows Medium Frame (Guernsey Size) Bedded Pack 499 100    0.1020 45 0.85 15.3
Milking Age Cows Medium Frame (Guernsey Size) Free Stall 499 100 0.1165 9.0 0.0952 21 0.85 9.29
Milking Age Cows Medium Frame (Guernsey Size) Pack Scrape 499 100 0.1165 9.1 0.1020 45 0.85 15.3
Milking Age Cows Medium Frame (Guernsey Size) Sand 499 100 0.1264 9.1 0.1051 21 0.85 
Milking Age Cows Medium Frame (Guernsey Size) Tie Stall 499 100 0.1165 9.0 0.0952 21 0.85 8.36
Milking Age Cows Small Frame (Jersey Size) Bedded Pack 431 100    0.1020 45 1 13.5
Milking Age Cows Small Frame (Jersey Size) Free Stall 431 100 0.1165 9.0 0.0952 21 1 8.36
Milking Age Cows Small Frame (Jersey Size) Tie Stall 431 100 0.1165 9.1 0.0952 21 1 7.43
Milking Age Cows Small Frame (Jersey Size) Pack Scrape 431 100 0.1165 9.1 0.1020 45 0.85 13.5
Milking Age Cows Small Frame (Jersey Size) Sand 431 100 0.1264 9.1 0.1051 21 1 

 

Type: Deer/Elk

Deer/Elk
Sub TypeSub-Sub TypeAverage Weight (kg)Utilization (%)Liquid Amount (m31000 kg/day)Liquid DM* (%)Solid Amount
(m31000 kg/day)
Solid DM* (%)Nutrient Units (animal/NU)Livestock Housing Capacity
(m2 animal)
Elk Adults (>24 months) (includes unweaned offspring)  272 100    0.0456 30 2 
Elk Feeders  127 75    0.0456 30 6 
Elk/Red Deer Hybrid Adults (includes unweaned offspring)  170 100    0.0456 30 4 
Elk/Red Deer Hybrid Feeders  97.5 75    0.0456 30 10 
Fallow Deer Adults(>24 months)(includes unweaned offspring)  45.4 100    0.0456 30 13 
Fallow Deer Feeders  31.8 75    0.0456 30 23 
Red Deer Adults (>24 months) (includes unweaned offspring)  99.8 100    0.0456 30 7 
Red Deer Feeders  63.5 75    0.0456 30 14 
White Tailed Deer Adults (>24 months) (includes unweaned offspring)  56.7 100    0.0456 30 11 
White Tailed Deer Feeders  40.8 75    0.0456 30 21 

Type: Ducks

Ducks
Sub TypeSub-Sub TypeAverage Weight (kg)Utilization (%)Liquid Amount (m31000 kg/day)Liquid DM* (%)Solid Amount
(m31000 kg/day)
Solid DM* (%)Nutrient Units (animal/NU)Livestock Housing Capacity
(m2 animal)
Peking Breeders 2.95 100    0.3765 57 105 0.465
Peking Growers 1.04 90 0.3627 7.0 0.3471 57 105 0.167

Type: Emu

Emu
Sub TypeSub-Sub TypeAverage Weight (kg)Utilization (%)Liquid Amount (m31000 kg/day)Liquid DM* (%)Solid Amount
(m31000 kg/day)
Solid DM* (%)Nutrient Units (animal/NU)Livestock Housing Capacity
(m2 animal)
Adults (includes offspring to market size)  56.7 0        12 11.1

Type: Fox

Fox
Sub TypeSub-Sub TypeAverage Weight (kg)Utilization (%)Liquid Amount (m31000 kg/day)Liquid DM* (%)Solid Amount
(m31000 kg/day)
Solid DM* (%)Nutrient Units (animal/NU)Livestock Housing Capacity
(m2 animal)
Breeding Females
(including rep/market animals/males)		  6.80 80    0.0874 36 25 9.29

Type: Goats

Goats
Sub TypeSub-Sub TypeAverage Weight (kg)Utilization (%)Liquid Amount (m31000 kg/day)Liquid DM* (%)Solid Amount
(m31000 kg/day)
Solid DM* (%)Nutrient Units (animal/NU)Livestock Housing Capacity
(m2 animal)
Dairy Does (including unweaned offspring) Confinement 77.1 100    0.0453 30 8 1.86
Dairy Kids Confinement 16.3 100    0.0453 30 32 0.743
Feeder Kids (>20 kg) Confinement 18.1 0    0.0375 30 32 0.743
Mature Meat Goat (including unweaned offspring)  72.6 0    0.0375 30 8 1.39

Type: Horses

Horses
Sub TypeSub-Sub TypeAverage Weight (kg)Utilization (%)Liquid Amount (m31000 kg/day)Liquid DM* (%)Solid Amount
(m31000 kg/day)
Solid DM* (%)Nutrient Units (animal/NU)Livestock Housing Capacity
(m2 animal)
Large Frame (including unweaned offspring) Box Stalls 680 100    0.0887 46 0.7 30.2
Medium Frame (including unweaned offspring) Box Stalls 454 100    0.0887 46 1 23.2
Small Frame (including unweaned offspring) Box Stalls 227 100    0.0887 46 2 16.3

Type: Mink

Mink
Sub TypeSub-Sub TypeAverage Weight (kg)Utilization (%)Liquid Amount (m31000 kg/day)Liquid DM* (%)Solid Amount
(m31000 kg/day)
Solid DM* (%)Nutrient Units (animal/NU)Livestock Housing Capacity
(m2 animal)
Breeding Females
(including rep/market animals/males)		  1.81 80    0.1249 36 90 2.32

Type: Ostrich

Ostrich
Sub TypeSub-Sub TypeAverage Weight (kg)Utilization (%)Liquid Amount (m31000 kg/day)Liquid DM* (%)Solid Amount
(m31000 kg/day)
Solid DM* (%)Nutrient Units (animal/NU)Livestock Housing Capacity
(m2 animal)
Adults (includes offspring to market size)  136 0        4 9.29

Type: Rabbits

Rabbits
Sub TypeSub-Sub TypeAverage Weight (kg)Utilization (%)Liquid Amount (m31000 kg/day)Liquid DM* (%)Solid Amount
(m31000 kg/day)
Solid DM* (%)Nutrient Units (animal/NU)Livestock Housing Capacity
(m2 animal)
Breeding Does (including bucks/rep/fryers) 1 Tier Cages 4.54 100    0.1561 45 40 1.80
Breeding Does (including bucks/rep/fryers) 2 Tier Cages 4.54 100    0.1561 45 40 0.892
Breeding Does (including bucks/rep/fryers) 3 Tier Cages 4.54 100    0.1561 45 40 0.595

Type: Sheep

Sheep
Sub TypeSub-Sub TypeAverage Weight (kg)Utilization (%)Liquid Amount (m31000 kg/day)Liquid DM* (%)Solid Amount
(m31000 kg/day)
Solid DM* (%)Nutrient Units (animal/NU)Livestock Housing Capacity
(m2 animal)
Dairy and Feeder Lambs Confinement 33.2 75    0.0378 30 20 0.929
Dairy and Feeder Lambs Outside Access 33.2 75    0.0378 30 20 0.557
Dairy Ewes & Rams (including unweaned offspring and replacements) Confinement 93.0 100    0.0556 40 6 2.14
Dairy Ewes & Rams (including unweaned offspring and replacements) Outside Access 93.0 100     0.0556 40 6 2.14
Meat Ewes & Rams (including unweaned offspring and replacements) Confinement 79.4 100    0.0556 40 8 2.14
Meat Ewes & Rams (including unweaned offspring and replacements) Outside Access 79.4 100    0.0453 30 8 1.39

 

Type: Swine

Swine
Sub TypeSub-Sub TypeAverage Weight (kg)Utilization (%)Liquid Amount (m31000 kg/day)Liquid DM* (%)Solid Amount
(m31000 kg/day)
Solid DM* (%)Nutrient Units (animal/NU)Livestock Housing Capacity
(m2 animal)
Feeders Full Slats 52.2 85 0.1311 5.0    6 0.836
Feeders Full Slats (wet/dry feeders) 52.2 85 0.0837 7.0    6 0.836
Feeders Deep Bedded 52.2 85    0.0780 45 6 1.30
Feeders Partial Slats 52.2 85 0.1311 5.0    6 0.929
Feeders Partial Slats (wet/dry feeders) 52.2 85 0.0837 7.0    6 0.929
Feeders Solid Scrape 52.2 85 0.1311 5.0 0.0843 13 6 1.11
Feeders Solid Scrape (wet/dry feeders) 52.2 85 0.0837 7.0 0.0843 20 6 1.11
Gilts - Breeders - 90.3 85 0.0893 2.7    5 1.39
Sows (dry) and Boars deep bedded pack 136 100    0.0818 45 3.5 2.79
Sows (dry) and Boars non-SEW 136 100 0.1167 2.5 0.0974 15 3.5 2.79
Sows (dry) and Boars SEW 136 100 0.1167 2.5 0.0974 15 3.33 2.32
Sows with Litters non-SEW 181 100 0.1167 2.1 0.0974 15 3.5 6.50
Sows with Litters SEW 181 100 0.1167 2.1 0.0974 15 3.33 5.11
Weaners non-SEW 15.9 80 0.1779 2.7 0.1542 13 20 0.399
Weaners non-SEW (wet/dry) 15.9 80 0.1305 3.6 0.1542 13 20 0.399
Weaners SEW 11.3 80 0.1779 2.7 0.1542 13 20 0.353
Weaners SEW (wet/dry) 11.3 80 0.1305 3.6 0.1542 13 20 0.353

Type: Turkeys

Turkeys
Sub TypeSub-Sub TypeAverage Weight (kg)Utilization (%)Liquid Amount (m31000 kg/day)Liquid DM* (%)Solid Amount
(m31000 kg/day)
Solid DM* (%)Nutrient Units (animal/NU)Livestock Housing Capacity
(m2 animal)
Breeder Toms  15.9 100    0.0437 58  0.557
Broilers <6.2kg  2.00 85    0.0562 60 133 0.149
Hens 6.2 - 10.8 kg -brooded in another building 4.08 77    0.0541 60 110 0.232
Hens 6.2 - 10.8 kg -brooded in the same barn 2.87 85    0.0559 60 110 0.232
Toms >10.8 kg  6.03 80    0.0410 60 75 0.325
Turkey Breeder Layers  9.07 100    0.0437 58  0.372
Turkey Pullet (0 to 6 weeks)  0.680 80    0.1249 58 267 0.093

Type: Veal

Veal
Sub TypeSub-Sub TypeAverage Weight (kg)Utilization (%)Liquid Amount (m31000 kg/day)Liquid DM* (%)Solid Amount
(m31000 kg/day)
Solid DM* (%)Nutrient Units (animal/NU)Livestock Housing Capacity
(m2 animal)
Grain Fed Veal  134 90 0.0724 9.0 0.0604 22 6 6.97
Milk Fed Veal  102 80 0.0906 0.7 0.1389 40 6 2.79

Notes: * DM = dry matter

  1. Average weight rounded to 3 significant digits
  2. Manure production numbers rounded to 4 decimal places
  3. Blank manure production and dry matter entries indicate a non-typical housing process
  4. Livestock housing capacity is rounded to 2 decimal places if above 0.2 m2/animal and 3 decimal places if below 0.2 m2/animal
  5. Blank livestock housing capacity values indicate that information is not available
  6. Livestock density is based on barn area only for a housing system(outdoor yard is not included)
  7. Livestock housing capacity numbers are used to develop an estimated barn size

| Table of Contents | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 |
| Part 11 | Part 12 | Appendix |

 

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