Manure as a Diagnostic Too l Spend time with any respected nutritional consultant and two things will become immediately obvious. They spend considerable time just looking at cows eating, walking, drinking and performing the necessary biological functions. They also spend time walking behind and amongst cows analyzing manure. Fresh manure pH should be in the range of 6-6.8. A pH below 6.0 is indicative of excess starch is escaping the rumen and being fermented in the small intestines.
Firm manure can be indicative of low salt, low water intake, high fiber or low protein.
Loose manure with dark color can be due to high protein or low fiber. References Allen, M.S. and K.F. Knowlton. Non-structural Carbohydrates Important for Ruminants. April 17, 1995. Allen, M.S. 1993.