Energy and nutrient potential of chicken manure: Case study of mechanized and traditional farms

Abstract

This study represented the first comprehensive comparative analysis of chicken manure (CM) from mechanized European farms and traditional Cuban farms, revealing crucial regional differences in their characteristics for energy purposes. The aims of this study are: (i) to compare the physical-chemical properties of CM generated in European farms with mechanized extraction of their residues and traditional Cuban farms; and (ii) to assess the quality of these residues as raw material for hydrothermal carbonization. According to the findings, CM from traditional Cuban farms exhibited higher levels of biodegradation than those from mechanized European farms. High contents of macro- and micronutrients, including calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, were quantified, and no harmful trace elements were found. The higher heating value ranged from 6.48 to 16.88 MJ kg-1, with CM from layer hen having lower values. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the temperature range with the greatest mass loss was close to 300 ºC. Cuban CM was analyzed for the first time by thermogravimetric analysis, which provided crucial information on its composition, stability and thermal properties, essential for waste-to-energy solutions.by providing crucial information on its composition across various production systems. This study will aid farmers, and decision-makers in determining the most suitable applications of CM