Production and composition of horse manure

The production and composition of horse manure was studied with on farm experiments as well as balance calculations. The results should provide the basis of the revision of the corresponding guide values. Balance calculations were done for riding horses, mares and colts of different age. Animal weight, amount of straw used for litter and hours of activity (riding, work) were used as additional variables. The thus calculated excretion was lower for all categories than according to today’s guide values. The annual production per adult horse was 12-13 t of fresh or around 6 t of decomposed horse manure. The content of the horse manure was influenced more by housing system and straw use than by the different horse categories.