Yes, there is a perfect pile of manure
The perfect manure pile has the consistency of pancake mix or pumpkin pie filling and stands about 1.5 to 2 inches tall.
There’s a lot you can learn from a cow pie. What is your pile telling you?
Shape and consistency
The shape and consistency of the manure pile is an indicator of the cow’s nutritional intake and conversion. The perfect cow pie has these characteristics:
Consistency similar to pancake batter or pumpkin pie filling — not too watery, not too clumpy.
Domed shape about 1.5 to 2 inches tall with a slight indentation or divot in the middle vs. flat or stacked.
Even digestion without long, undigested forage particles.
Presence of flies and beetles that aid in the decomposition.
“While we don’t know exactly what is going in the cow’s mouth, we can have a very good idea of what she’s doing with that feed and what’s coming out,” says Stephen Blezinger, Manure Matters, AgProud.
First indication of problems
TOO MUCH PROTEIN
Watery manure could indicate an excess of protein intake or lack of fiber which leads to poor digestion and nutrient absorption. “If a cow pie won't stack up an inch or so, the diet needs to be adjusted,” says animal nutritionist Ted Perry.
Heat stress accompanied by reduced fiber intake may also lead to watery stools.
Diarrhea is also a symptom of ruminal acidosis, often caused by ingesting too much grain or a sudden change of diet, as well as various diseases, infection, or parasite infestation.
NOT ENOUGH PROTEIN
When feces is piled high or layered in stacks, it’s often an indication the animal isn’t getting enough protein or water in its diet. It may also be caused by an overconsumption of fiber. Animals may appear to be eating but are often losing weight. Why?
Manure benefits to forage quality, soil health, and environment
Manure contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients that plants need to grow.
As the manure decomposes — with the assistance of bacteria and fungi in the soil — nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are released into the soil, nourishing new plant growth. Insects, birds, and other animals also scavenge cow pies for food.
“Soil organic matter contributes to overall soil health — the soil’s ability and sustainability to function as a living ecosystem. In addition to slowly releasing plant nutrients over time, organic matter improves soil structure and the soil’s ability to hold water.” Environmental Protection Agency
Manure score sheet
Evaluating manure piles allows you to make immediate changes to your nutrition instead of waiting weeks or months to note a change in their bod condition. Robert Wells, former Noble Research Institute senior regenerative ranching advisor provides this 1 to 5 manure scoresheet guide.
Score of 1: Cream soup consistency indicates illness or excess in protein compared to fiber intake.
Score of 2: Pile less than 1 inch thick without form, again likely caused by excess protein, is often an indication that feed is passing too quickly through the digestive track.
Score of 3: Ideal pancake-batter consistency about 2 inches high indicates a balance nutritional intake.
Score of 4: Manure that is thick and clumpy with a peanut butter consistency may indicate a diet lacking degradable rumen protein, too much or low quality fiber, or lack of carbohydrates.
Score of 5: If manure is hard, dry, and stacks in segments over 2 inches tall, the forage lacks quality protein and carbohydrates and may be high in low-quality fiber.
After you move cattle to a new paddock, check the consistency of the manure and the plant residuals to determine if cattle are getting the proper nutrition while leaving adequate forage behind for regrowth. Logan Karcher, director of producer programs with Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition, illustrates what to look for in a manure pat, as well as how to evaluate residual plant materials after a move.
00:26 Manure pancake batter consistency and shape
01:08 Evaluate residual leaf after grazing.
02:18 Peel the residual back to see forage breakdown
Find more information about interpreting manure
Manure Matters: What manure appearance can tell you about cow health and nutrition, Stephen B. Blezinger, AgProud
What is your cattle’s manure telling you?, Marci Whitehurst, AgProud
Manure scoring determines supplementation needs, Robert Wells, Noble Research Institute
Acidosis, Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension