Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-fbnjt Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-07T08:34:29.631Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Some alternative litter materials used for growing broilers and turkeys

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2007

J.L. Grimes ,
J. Smithi  and
C.M. Williams
J.L. Grimes*
Affiliation:
Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Box 7608, Raleigh, NC 27695-7608, USA
J. Smithi
Affiliation:
Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Box 7608, Raleigh, NC 27695-7608, USA
C.M. Williams
Affiliation:
Animal and Poultry Waste Management Center, North Carolina State University, Box 7608, Raleigh, NC 27695-7608, USA
*
*Corresponding author: e-mail: [email protected]
Get access

Abstract

This paper discusses materials used as bedding or litter for the rearing of broilers and turkeys in the U.S.A. The U.S. poultry industry has historically used pine shavings as the litter of choice for many years. Sawdust has replaced pine shavings in many areas, however, not by choice, but because pine shavings have become increasingly difficult to obtain. Regionally, rice hulls, straw, and peanut hulls can be found in use by poultry producers for litter. Re-cycled paper products have received a lot of research and development, but have not had a great deal of acceptance by the poultry industry. Sand is another alternative bedding that is currently being tested in southern climates. Alternative litter materials for poultry will continue to be researched and evaluated, and pine shavings or sawdust will probably continue to be used as the benchmark comparison. However, while bird performance will always be a threshold criterion, cost and availability will ultimately determine the adoption of new or alternative litter materials by poultry growers and the poultry industry.

Keywords

alternative litterpoultry litterpoultry beddingpine shavingsbroilersturkeys
Type
Reviews
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 58 , Issue 4 , December 2002 , pp. 515 - 526
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2002

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Allison, R.C., Jordan, H.C. (1973) Criteria and evaluation of hardwood bark as a poultry litter. Forest Products Journal 23(8): 46–48.Google Scholar
Andrews, L.D., McPherson, B.N. (1963) Comparison of different types of materials for broiler litter. Poultry Science 42: 249–254.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bilgili, S.F., Montenegro, G.I., Hess, J.B. and Eckman, M.K. (1999) Sand as litter for rearing broiler chickens. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 8: 345–351.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bilgili, S., Hess, J., Blake, J. and Eckman, M. (2000) Turning trash into treasure: Sand as bedding material for rearing broilers. Highlights of Agricultural Research, vol. 47, no. 1. Auburn University, Auburn, AL.Google Scholar
Brake, J.D., Boyle, C.R., Chamblee, T.N., Schultz, C.D. and Peebles, E.D. (1992) Evaluation of the chemical and physical properties of hardwood bark used as a broiler litter material. Poultry Science 71: 467–472.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Burke, G.B., Pescatore, A.J., Cantor, A.H., Straw, M.L., Xiangbai, H. and Johnson, T.H. (1993) Newspaper as litter material and its effect on the performance of broilers. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 2: 154–158.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Carter, T.A. and Poore, M. (1995) Deep stacking litter as a feed for beef cattle. Southern Regional Beef Management Handbook (SR 2007a) North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, Raleigh, NC.Google Scholar
Carter, T.A., Allison, R.C., Mills, W.C. and West, J.R (1979) Wood chips for poultry litter. Poultry Science 58: 994–997.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Carter, T.A., Godwin, J.L. and Grimes, J.L. (2000) Performance of broilers reared on bedding manufactured from recycled organic product. Poultry Science 79(Suppl.1): 91.Google Scholar
Carter, T.A. and Poore, M. (1995) Deep stacking litter as a feed for beef cattle. Southern Regional Beef Management Handbook (SR 2007a) North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, Raleigh, NC.Google Scholar
Chaloupka, G.W., Loyd, R.W., Gordy, J.F. and Greene, L.M. (1967) Evaluation of litter materials for broiler production. Poultry Science 46 (Abstract): 1242.Google Scholar
Chamblee, T.N., Yeatman, J.B., Hackett, C. and Phillips, K. (2000) Evaluation of rice hull ash as a litter material for broiler chickens. Poultry Science 79(Suppl.1): 91.Google Scholar
Enueme, J.E. and Waibel, P.E. (1987) Research note: Comparison of reed-sedge peat with wood shavings as bedding for turkeys. Poultry Science 66. 1508–1516.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Enueme, J.E., Waibel, P.E. and Farnham, R.S. (1987) Use of peat as a bedding material and dietary component for tom turkeys. Poultry Science 66: 1508–1516.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Ferket, P.R. (1998) Alternative turkey management systems.Proceedings of the 21st Technical Turkey ConferenceCheshire, EnglandApril15–17.Google Scholar
Godwin, J.L., Carter, T.A. and Grimes, J.L. (2000) The use oflitter plus as a bedding material for broilers. Proceedings of the 2000 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium CommitteeAuburn, AL.Google Scholar
Grimes, J.L., Carter, T.A. and Godwin, J.L. (2001) Heat processing of turkey little for re-use as a bedding material. Proceedings of the 2000 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium CommitteAuburn, Al.Google Scholar
Grimes, J.L., Carter, T.A. and Godwin, J.L. (2001) Proceedings addressing animal production and environmental issuesCollege of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State UniversityRaleigh, NC27695.Google Scholar
Gyles, N.R. and Andrews, L.D. (1964) Arkansas by-product as poultry litters. Arkansas Farm Research.Google Scholar
Harms, R.H., Simpson, C.F., Waldroup, P.W. and Ammerman, C.B. (1968) Citrus pulp for poultry litter and its subsequent feeding value for ruminants. Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin No. 724.Google Scholar
Havenstein, G.B., Grimes, J.L., Ferket, P.R., Parkhurst, C.R., Edens, F.W., Brake, J. and Van Middelkoop, J.H. (1998) Recent experiences with reduced or non-litter systems for growing broilers and turkeys. Proc. Natl.Poultry Waste Mgt. Symp., pp. 225–240.Google Scholar
Hess, J.B, Bilgili, S.F., Montenegro, G.I. and Eckman, M.K. (1996) Using sand as a litter source for broilers. Current Concepts in broiler production, Fall 1996. Poultry Science Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL.Google Scholar
Hess, J.B, Eckman, M.K., Bilgili, S.F. and Blake, J.P. ( 2001) Sand research continues in the field. Current concepts in broiler production, Fall 2001. Poultry Science Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL.Google Scholar
Hester, P.Y., Sutton, A.L. and Elkin, R.G. (1987) Effect of light intensity, litter source, and litter management on the incidence of leg abnormalities and performance of male turkeys. Poultry Science 66: 666–675.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hester, P.Y., Sutton, A.L., Elkin, R.G.&Klingensmith, P.M. (1985) The effect of lighting, dietary amino acids, and litter on the incidence of leg abnormalities and performance of turkey toms. Poultry Science 64: 2062–2075.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Humphreys, D.J. (1979) Poisoning in poultry. World Poultry Science Journal 35: 161–177.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kelly, T.R., Pancorbo, O.C., Merka, W.C., Thompson, S.A., Cabrera, M.L. and Barnhart, H.M. (1995) Bacterial pathogens and indicators in poultry litter during re-utilization. Journal Applied Poultry Research 4: 366–373.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Labosky, P.K. Jr., Holleman, A., Dick, J.W. and SO, D.T. (1977) Utilization of bark residues as poultry litter. Forest Products Journal 27(1): 28–32.Google Scholar
Lacy, M.P. (1991) Litter quality and broiler performance. The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service, Leaflet 426/1991.Google Scholar
Lien, R.J. (1992) Recycled paper products for poultry bedding. 1992 Proceedings of the National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium CommitteeAuburn, AL. 285–291.Google Scholar
Lien, RJ., Conner, D.E. and Bilgili, S.F., (1992) The use of recycled paper chips as litter material for rearing broiler chickens. Poultry Science 71: 81–87.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Link, C. (2002) Personal communication on using straw in turkey houses. Cooper Farms, Fort Recovery, OH 45846.Google Scholar
Malone, G.W. (1992) Evaluation of litter materials other than wood shavings. 1992 Proceedings of the National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium CommitteeAuburn, AL. 274–284.Google Scholar
Malone, G.W., Allen, P.H., Chaloupka, G.W. and Ritter, W.F. (1982) Recycled paper products as broiler litter. Poultry Science 61: 2161–2165.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Malone, G.W and Chaloupka, G.W. (1983) Influence of litter type and size on broiler performance: 2. Processed newspaper litter particle size and management. Poultry Science 62: 1747–1750.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Malone, G.W., Chaloupka, G.W. and Eckroade, R.J. (1983b) Composted municipal garbage for broiler litter. Poultry Science 62: 414–418.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Malone, G.W, Chaloupka, G.W. and Saylor, W.W. (1983a) Influence of litter type and size on broiler performance: 2. Factors affecting litter consumption. Poultry Science 62: 1741–1746.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Malone, G.W. and Martin, J.H. Jr., (1999) Evaluation of a clay-based product as an alternative bedding material for broilers. Poultry Science 78(Suppl.1): 60.Google Scholar
Malone, G.W., Salem, M., Hansen, D.J. and Eckman, M.K. (2001a) A demonstration of sand as an alternative bedding in commercial poultry houses. Research Report presented to the Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc., September 24, 2001.Google Scholar
Malone, G.W., Salem, M., Hansen, D.J. and Eckman, M. (2001b) A demonstration of sand as an alternative bedding in commercial poultry houses. Poultry Science 80 (Suppl.1): 40.Google Scholar
Malone, G.W., Tilmon, H.D. and Taylor, R.W. (1990) Evaluation of kenaf core for broiler litter. Poultry Science 69: 2064–2067.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Martinez, D.F. and Gernat, A.G. (1995) The effect of chopped computer and bond paper mixed with wood shavings as a litter material on broiler performance. Poultry Science 74: 1395–1399.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
May, K.N. and Noles, R.K. (1965) Effect of hesperindin and litter moisture on growth and carcass defects of broilers. Poultry Science 44: 844–847.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Morgan, G.W. (1984) Evaluation of soybean stubble, rice hulls, and pine shavings for litter. Poultry Science 63 (Suppl.1): 26.Google Scholar
Nakaue, H.S., Fischer, C.M. and Arscott, G.H. (1978) Chopped cereal straw as a broiler floor litter. Oregon State University Report No. 509.Google Scholar
Nakaue, H., Hermes, J. and Dodrill, S. (1995) Chopped grass straw: An alternative bedding litter for broiler production (VTP 024). Oregon State University Agricultural Communications and the OSU Extension Service, Corvalis OR.Google Scholar
Nakaue, H.S., Modish, A.M. and Savage, T.F. (1985) Wood fibre pellets as a poultry litter. Poultry Science 64 (Suppl.1): 151.Google Scholar
Parsons, A.H. and Baker, S.L. (1985) Softwood chipping fines: Efficacy as poultry litter. Poultry Science 64: 2292–2295.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Reed, M.J. and McCartney, M.G. (1970) Physical properties of selected litter materials and performance of broiler chickens. Research Bulletin No. 75, College of Agriculture Experiment Stations University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.Google Scholar
Ruszler, P.L. and Carson, J.R. (1974) Methods of evaluating the potential usefulness of selected litter materials. Poultry Science 53: 1420–1427.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Scheildler, S.E. and Hawkins, B. (1991) Use of shredded newspapers as broiler poultry litter. North Carolina State University Ag. Extension Service, Broiler Newsletter 5: (1) 1–3.Google Scholar
Skewes, P.A., Hughes, B.L., Allen, W.H. and Dawson, P.L. (1998) Recycled rubber tires as an alternative material for poultry house litter. Poultry Science 77 (Suppl.1): 146.Google Scholar
Smith, R.C. (1956) Kind of litter and breast blisters on broilers. Poultry Science 35: 593–595.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Smith, J.C., Grimes, J.L. and Williams, C.M. (2002) Effect of chopped Bermuda grass hay and microbiological treatment of litter on performance of turkey hens. Poultry Science (Suppl.1): In Press.Google Scholar
Snyder, J.M., Rowoth, O.A., Scholes, J.C. and Lee, C.E. (1958) Profitable Poultry Management 23ed. 79–83.Google Scholar
Thornberry, F.D., Arnold, J.C. and Currie, C.R. (1970) A comparative evaluation of processed pine bark and pine shavings for poultry litter. Poultry Science 49 (Suppl.1): 1445.Google Scholar
Veltmann, J.R. Jr., Gardner, F.A. and Litton, S.S. (1984) Comparison of rice hulls as litter material and dietary fat levels on turkey poult performance. Poultry Science 63; 2345–2351.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Watkins, S.E. (2001a) Evaluation of alternative bedding materials for poultry. Arkansas Extension Brief. Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR.Google Scholar
Watkins, S.E. (2001b) Evaluation of bagasse as an alternative bedding material for poultry. Arkansas Extension Brief. Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR.Google Scholar
White, M.S. and McLeod, J.A. (1989) Properties of shredded wood pallets. Forest Products Journal 39(6): 50–54.Google Scholar
Wyatt, C.L. and Goodman, T.N. (1992) Research Note: The utilization of recycled sheetrock (refined gypsum) as a litter material for broiler houses. Poultry Science 71: 1572–1576.CrossRefGoogle Scholar