AD-HOC tested additives

All of the products tested significantly reduced ammonia levels in hog barns and the all reduced solids build-up in the bottom of the manure pits. Reduction in odor units, as measured by a test panel at the University of Minnesota, was subject to greater variation, in both control as well as treated barns.

Bio-Charge
Test site type #1
Although conditions vary and applications must be tailored to individual units, the initial Bio-Charge dosage is one ounce per 1,000 gallons of manure slurry, and the maintenance dosage is .0735 ounce per hog per day. This is a super concentrate sold in five-gallon pails at $25 each.

Contact: Lynn Hexum, Biotal Inc., (612) 934-1105.

Roebic Manure Deodorizer
Test site type #1
This deodorizer may be added for the entire expected volume when the pit is empty or added as manure levels rise. Dilute 2-3 ounces in a gallon of water and distribute over 100 cubic feet of liquid manure. Roebic RMD-1 (one-gallon containers) are $44.50, Roebic RMD-5 (five-gallon pails) are $209.25, freight prepaid on any combination of 12 cases or 12 pails.

Contact: Joe Tisch, Roebic Laboratories, Inc., (612) 404-2072 or
1-800-722-2072.

PIT-BOSS
Test site type #1
This bacterial digestion product is added once per year or after each time the pit/lagoon is pumped, at a rate of one gallon to 60,000 gallons of "usable" pit volume. Since the best digestion occurs with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5, the pH can be adjusted by using Adjust-A-Boss. The pit should never be agitated, nor should lime or ammonia be added. Depending on volume ordered, PIT-BOSS and Adjust-A-Boss range from $52.50 to $47.25 per gallon.

Contact: Ralph Musser, Chem-A-Co, (219) 583-4368.

SHAC
Test site type #1

Double the maintenance rates the first time SHAC is used to treat a pit. Then use the recommended maintenance rates: one liter every six months per 10 sows, 15 feeders (50 lbs. to finish), or 20 growers (weaning to 50 lbs.). Some users are finding that after the second or third treatment periods they are able to reduce the amount used below the recommended rates and still get the desired results. SHAC is sold in 20-liter pails (5.28 US gallons/pail) for $175.00 each.

Contact: Archie Fandrick or Gary Lehr, Shac Environmental Products, (403) 528-4446.

De-Odorase
Test site type #1
For the initial dose, spread product evenly over manure slurry at a rate of 4 ounces dry product per 100 cubic feet of slurry. To maintain, add one ounce dry product per 100 cubic feet monthly. For product pricing, call Alltech.

Contact: Elizabeth Bagby, Alltech, Inc., (606) 885-9613.

Pit Stop
Test site type #1
Pit Stop is added when the hog waste pit is being put back into service following pumping or annually. The pumped out pit is filled with a minimum of six inches of liquid manure or water to which 20 ppm of acid and 350 ppm Pit Stop is added. While it is possible that Pit Stop dosage could be reduced, this needs to be verified by comparing several more pits through 12-month cycles at different levels of treatment. Pit Stop is sold in 55-gallon barrels at $10.00/gallon net of shipping charges.

Contact: Jon Heller, Nutech Environmental Corp, (303) 295-3702 or 1-800-321-8824.

Bio-409
Test site type #2
Product is mixed with water and dosed weekly by pouring evenly into manure slurry. 341 pounds per year treats 100 sows, farrow to finish; weanlings require 3.3 lbs. for 60 days, growers 4 lbs. for 30 days, and finishers (174-250 lbs.) 8 lbs. for 30 days. Bio-409 is packaged dry in 55-pound bags at $4.75/lb.; volume discounts are available.

Contact: Stuart Greenfield, Bio-Solutions System, Inc., (204) 947-6939.

MicroSpan MS-4
Test site type #2
Add twice a month evenly into manure at a rate of one quart liquid per 1,000 square feet of floor space. MicroSpan MD-1, sold at $4/gallon, is dry and must be mixed with water. MicroSpan MS-4 is a liquid premix, $40/gallon.

Contact: Cynthia Lopez, Advanced Microbial Systems, Inc., (612) 445-4251.