dung

Dung is the feces of animals, produced by livestock such as cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. It is distinct from urine and other waste products. When collected and processed for agricultural use, dung is commonly referred to as manure, though the term manure can also include urine and other wastes.

Composition varies with diet and species, but dung generally contains water, undigested plant material, fibers, minerals, and a mix of microorganisms. Fresh dung is often warm and has an earthy odor; its consistency ranges from soft to firm depending on moisture and diet.

Ecological and agricultural roles include nutrient recycling and soil improvement. When returned to fields as fertilizer or compost, dung supplies nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and enhances soil structure. It also serves as a substrate for decomposers such as bacteria, fungi, and dung beetles. In some regions dung is dried, burned, or built into bricks for fuel or construction.

Safety and management considerations address pathogens and parasites that may be present in fresh dung. Proper handling, composting, or anaerobic digestion reduces health risks and odors. Manure management has climate implications because manure decomposition releases methane and nitrous oxide; practices such as covered storage, aerobic composting, and biogas production aim to mitigate emissions while recovering energy and nutrients.