The Bacterial Population of an Indoor Poultry Lagoon

THE disposal of poultry manure is a serious problem of agriculture, and there is increasing economic pressure for greater efficiency in its disposal. With increasing consumption of poultry products by an increasing population, the poultry industry is having to move toward high density laying operations with 10,000 to 100,000 hens in one building not uncommon. The manure from a flock of the latter size may approximate 12 to 13 tons of manure daily (Ostrander and Hart, 1964). The oxidation pond or lagoon offers a means of disposal of this waste and has been reported to have the following advantages: (1) prevents breeding of flies and other insects in the manure, (2) permits decomposition of the manure by microbial action, (3) eliminates objectionable odors, (4) alleviates frequent cleanings, (5) presents no hindrance to efficient production of broilers or eggs, (6) disposes of the waste in a manner acceptable to public health…