Environmental Compliance and Poultry Waste Management in Commercial Layer Farms of Batangas, Philippines | Chapter 2 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 7

 

The performance of the layer industry is strongly influenced by management practices, including nutrition and waste management, with proper utilisation, such as composting, biogas generation, and use as organic fertiliser, helping to reduce environmental hazards like water contamination, air pollution, and the spread of diseases, while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable farming practices. The study aimed to assess waste management practices, the utilisation of poultry waste, compliance with environmental regulations, and potential environmental hazards among the 100 selected commercial layer chicken farms in Batangas, Philippines. Using a purposive sampling method and a descriptive survey design, the study was conducted in ten municipalities with the highest inventory of layer chicken farms, as recorded by the Department of Agriculture Region IV-A. Results revealed that most farms generated cage layer waste and primarily disposed of dry manure, with an average daily manure production of 833.17kg. Manure was commonly collected by manure buyers or given free to neighbours and LGUs, while 36% of farmers sold manure for use as fertiliser. Although 66% of farms had compost pits, storage capacity was generally insufficient relative to the volume of manure produced, and only a few farms utilised manure for biogas. Compliance with ECC and RA 6969 was high, although ISO certifications remained uncommon. Flies and odour were the most frequently reported environmental concerns, often associated with inadequate manure drying, prolonged waste storage, and poor waste-handling facilities. Farmers with higher educational attainment demonstrated better compliance with environmental standards. Overall, the findings indicate that while basic waste management practices are implemented, significant gaps remain in storage capacity, manure handling, and odour and fly control. Strengthened training programs, improving waste utilisation technologies, and increased engagement in poultry associations are recommended to support better waste management and environmental compliance.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Monette S. De Castro-Naagas
Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Allied Fields, Mindoro State University, Philippines.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v7/6866