The amount of bedding to be handled with the manure depends on the housing system selected. About 0.65 cubic foot per day of storage is needed for each 1000 pounds of live sheep, or about 40 pounds of manure per day. Goat manure produced daily equals about 5 percent of body weight and contains 60 to 70 percent moisture. About 0.8 cubic foot per day of storage is needed for each 1000 pounds of live goats or for about 50 pounds of manure per day. Animals on pasture distribute their manure during the grazing process.
Problems result from stocking too many animals on too small an area.
Animals may congregate along streams or watering areas, around feed bunks or hay racks, and in shady spots. If there are more animals than the vegetation in such areas can maintain, soil erosion and excess manure deposition are likely. Reducing stocking density, moving feeding areas, and paving areas around waterers can reduce these problems. If there is a stream in the pasture, it may be necessary to develop other watering locations or fence the animals out of stream-bank areas. Springs can be developed to provide watering facilities that cause fewer environmental problems and provide fresher water for the animals.