Why steer manure

I thought the question was a legitimate one to ask, that being why people would choose to use one over the other. I think dchall was laughing more at the product--those cheap bags of manure are sometimes crap in more ways than one. There's really no way to tell the exact nutrient content of what is in those bags without sending it off to be tested.

Depends on age, what the cattle were fed, etc. As for eating it I wouldn't use it to top dress--worked into the soil the manure shouldn't contain anything harmful to people or plants. There are generally better sources of nutrients and organic matter out there, some of them even less expensive if not free. If this manure is the best you can obtain for now then get it. Steers are generally fed a diet higher in grains than dairy cows are, so they put on weight fat faster, and that may account for the higher readings.

Dairy cows are fed more roughage, grasses, because a lot of grain cuts into milk production. It is important to discuss the source of manure. Most packaged steer manure is from last-stage feedlots or slaughterhouse stockyards, while commercial cow manure tends to be from larger factory-type dairy farms. This has a direct impact on the type of hormones and medications found in manure. Steer manure is going to have more of the steroid-type hormones in smaller quantities, while cow manure is going to have more estrogen-type hormones in higher amounts.

If the manure is from factory-type farms then more of the synthetic hormone, rBGH, will be present. Cow manure might show more medications antibiotics, etc.

It used to be true that "steers are generally fed a diet higher in grains than dairy cows", but not necessarily now with the factory-type dairies. In fact, watch what your milk prices do now that ethanol is now pushing up the price of corn. The big reason cow manure is lower in nitrogen is because it is diverted into milk production in the cow. On the other hand, most of the "modern" cow manure is usually much higher in phosphorus.

Moreover, it is next to impossible to separate the bedding materials from manure from smaller dairy farmer. Most factory-type diaries do not use bedding; instead, they flush the manure with water into holding ponds and let it separate. Manure from these types of farms comes from the bottom of the ponds when they are drained.

In the end, it probably doesn't matter all that much if we are talking about a few bags of commerical manure in a small vegetable garden on a city lot. It ultimately is organic matter which is always a good addition to any garden. Thanks for the clarification on this. There's surprisingly little detailed info out there about how that poop finds its way to big box stores.

I do use it when I amend for roses. They seem to thrive on the Black Cow product available at Lowes. I came upon this thread by searching "steer manure vs cow manure". I have a rock and sand backyard that I am slowly trying to amend. Only steer manure is available in my local Lowes. I have added a few bags. Within a short time - I have seen earthworms in my garden. Just before I amend, I dig about 2 feet deep and I remove the rocks and boulders foothills of mountains.

The sand is lifeless with not even one earthworm, but now in areas already amended, it is different. I am pleased. The most important thing is to get some -ANY - compost into that soil. That's more important than what kind.

Typically, it has about three times the nitrogen and twice the phosphate of steer manure. If you're buying the manure primarily as a source of nutrients, four bags of poultry is a better deal than five bags of steer; four bags of poultry will provide 2. However, if you're buying manure primarily as a source of organic matter to improve soil structure, five bags of steer is preferable.

Q: Is composted manure safe? Isn't there a connection between barnyard manures and E-coli contamination of food crops? A: There's some risk of contracting E-coli, Salmonella and Listeria when we apply manure to our food gardens. That risk goes way down when we use composted rather than fresh manure. Infants, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases are considerably more vulnerable than the rest of the population to these food-borne illnesses.

They should not eat raw vegetables from manured gardens. Cooking destroys pathogens; that's the safest way for vulnerable folks to enjoy their vegetables. Even people at low risk should follow a few common-sense safety rules.

Before eating root crops raw from manured soil, they should always wash the produce carefully and peel it. Some manures that sound like they're similar may be vastly different, for example, steer and cow manure differ in some key, although sometimes subtle, ways, including salinity levels. Dairy cow manure is among the top choices as an organic fertilizer. The relatively low levels of nutrients make it difficult to over-fertilize, and the texture helps it serve as a soil amendment to improve drainage.

The exact nutrient breakdown varies depending on factors such as the cow's food, age and bedding, but in general, dairy cow manure offers a N-P-K ratio. Most cow manure comes from dairy cows, but if you find some from beef cows instead, the N-P-K ratio is likely around Although steer manure contains similar levels of nutrients with an N-P-K ratio of , it has a slightly higher nitrogen content.

A natural fertilizer provides these nutrients without chemicals, which may not be safe for crops grown for the dinner table. While steer manure is a good fertilizer for vegetable gardens, safe handling and application practices must be followed for the health of the plants, nearby water sources and your family. Fresh steer manure contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which mix with the soil to provide a healthy blend of nutrients for the plants.

Nitrogen promotes leaf growth and is found in the chlorophyll that gives plants the green color. Sugars needed by the plants are formed by chlorophyll. Potassium promotes a healthy stalk so the plants are strong enough to support the fruits and vegetables they produce. Phosphorus enables the plants to grow strong roots, produce flowers, and set fruit.