How Many Nutrient Units Do I Have?
Equine Operations

If you own an equine operation, Ontario Regulation 267/03 under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 applies to you if your operation generates 300 or more nutrient units (NU) annually. It also applies to you if your operation generates more than five (5) NU annually and you:

  • apply for a building permit* to build any structure that is used to house livestock or to store manure; or

  • construct an earthen manure storage.

If you own an equine operation and keep no other livestock on your farm, you can use the following chart to easily determine the nutrient units for your farm operation.

Determine Total Nutrient Units for Your Farm:
Type of Equine # of Animals NU Conversion Factor Divide # of Animals by NU Conversion Factor
Horses Large Frame
Includes foals to weaning over
681 kilograms (1,500 pounds)		   0.7 animals/NU  
Horses Medium Frame
Includes foals to weaning from
227-680 kilograms (500-1,500 pounds)		   1 animal/NU  
Horses Small Frame
Includes foals to weaning less than
227 kilograms (500 pounds)		   2 animals/NU  
 Total Nutrient Units on Farm  

* O. Reg. 267/03 also applies to those operations that would require a building permit under the Building Code Act, 1992 but are exempt from having to obtain a permit under the application of clause 2.4.1.1(1) (b) of Ontario Regulation 403/97 (Building Code) made under that Act.


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For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
Local: (519) 826-4047
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
Author: OMAFRA Staff
Creation Date: 01 July 2003
Last Reviewed: 01 January 2006