Code of Practice for the Use of Poultry Manure

Producers

Manure should be as dry as possible before it is allowed to be taken for use. This makes it difficult for flies to breed and allows the manure to be stored in a manner that enables it to be covered more easily. The manure should not contain more than 50% water and manure with a water content of over 70% should not be supplied.

Regular inspections of poultry houses should be made to identify any infestations of maggots or flies as early as possible so that treatment can take place. A monitoring and treatment process should be implemented and records kept to show what has been done.

It is recommended that all staff receive suitable training to enable them to effectively monitor and treat any infestations.

Manure should not be removed if it is infested with larvae. Full treatment of any infested material must be completed before its removal - this may take up to 4 weeks so forward planning is essential.

Transportation of Poultry Manure

Manure with a water content of over 70% must not be transported.

Trailers must not be overloaded to prevent manure being spilled onto the highway.

Trailers should be covered when possible, particularly if moving more than short distances or through residential areas.

Manure should be delivered in such a way that enables it to be easily covered.

Delivery should not be made if the recipient is unable to ensure that the manure is adequately covered and should be returned to its point of origin or other suitable storage facility.

Storage of Poultry Manure

Unless it is to be used immediately, all manure should be covered upon delivery. This will serve to reduce the odour emitted during storage, prevent flies infesting the manure and raise the temperature inside the pile to a level that will kill any flies or larvae already inside.

The manure should be tightly covered with polythene in such a way as to leave no gaps. Suitable polythene can be obtained from most agricultural suppliers. The edges of the polythene should then be buried to prevent flies escaping and to prevent the wind from removing the sheeting. All poultry manure should be covered in this way for a minimum of 10 days before it is used to ensure that any flies or fly larvae are killed and the pile does not become infested.

Do not store manure over field drains or within 10 metres of a watercourse. Manure should not be put next to dwellings, places of work, public attractions etc.

Spreading

The manure must be deep ploughed within 24 hours of being spread. The use of disc harrows or cultivators is NOT adequate.

When spreading on pasture, only poultry manure that is free from flies and larvae should be used.

Poultry manure should not be applied to ground that is waterlogged, flooded, frozen hard or snow covered. It should not be applied within 10 metres of ponds or watercourses.