Dry Nonheated Anaerobic Biogas Fermentation Using Aged Beef Cattle Manure

Biogas production at beef cattle feedlots is hard to justify because of the large amounts of dilution water required and the high cost to design and operate conventional water-based digestion systems. Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to determine the feasibility of producing biogas using "dry" aged beef cattle manure scraped from open-lot feedyards. Biogas production rates were measured at 21°C in the laboratory at four total solids contents using a water displacement technique. Biogas yields were 0.180, 0.210, 0.190 and 0.005 L per gram volatile solids (VS) at solids contents of 20, 30, 40 and 50 percent, respectively. Biogas was produced steadily for 300 days before declining and eventually ceasing after 450 days. The biogas contained 52 to 60 The authors are solely responsible for the content of this technical presentation. The technical presentation does not necessarily reflect the official position of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE), and its printing and distribution does not constitute an endorsement of views which may be expressed. Technical presentations are not subject to the formal peer review process by ASAE editorial committees; therefore, they are not to be presented as refereed publications. Citation of this work should state that it is from an ASAE meeting paper. EXAMPLE: Author's Last Name, Initials. 2002. Title of Presentation. ASAE Meeting