Quantification of copper and other minerals in poultry manure produced in the State of Yucatan, México

Abstract

Analyses were made to quantify the copper (Cu), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and molybdenum (Mo) contents of poultry manure marketed by three of the most important poultry companies in the State of Yucatan, Mexico. Manure samples were taken weekly over a one-year period, from June 2000 to May 2001. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry analysis was done of dry matter, ash, Cu, S, Fe, Zn and Mo. Results were grouped according to company of origin (Company 1, 2 and 3) and annual season (rainy, June -,, October, windy, November -,, January, dry, February -,, May. Data was analyzed by the least-squares method using a model including the general mean, the effect of the season, the effect of the company of origin x season interaction and the random error [NiD (0, s2)]. Cu content in poultry manure was 82 ppm and was affected by the company of origin (P<0.01). Company 1 had a notably higher Cu content compared to Companys 2 and 3 (161 vs 29 and 23 ppm, respectively). Higher Cu content was observed during the northwind season (P<0.05) than during the rainy and dry seasons (100 vs 74 and 71 ppm, respectively). Average content of other minerals was 0.51 % for S, 673 ppm for Fe and 289 ppm for Zn. Mo contents were below the detection limit.