Abstract
The aim of this paper is to assess the economic viability of two different bedding materials used in broiler chicken farming processes. The materials considered are wood shavings and slice-dedusted straw. The slice-dedusted straw is considered an alternative type of bedding material produced by a company from Slovenia. While the technological and economic assessment of this type of bedding material has already been researched in the case of horse breeding, it is something new in the case of broiler chicken farming. Data collection is structured from two trials. Trial one (T1) is also known as daily observations, and trial two (T2) involves obtaining input data at the end of the fattening period. During T1, daily observations are focused on collecting data from technical characteristics, and in T2, the percentage of death proportions and average increments are observed, calculated, and considered as economic input data. The cost calculation model is used for the calculation of several different technical-economic indicators, which denote the influence of different bedding materials no economic production viability. Favorable economic results were found for slice-dedusted straw, which shows that this kind of alternative bedding material could be the better option.
Highlights
Bedding material has ethological and technological functions within all farming breeding processes, regardless of the type of production
In view of the differences in the availability of substrates used for bedding materials among regions, reviews summarizing the characteristics of alternative materials, their effectiveness, and major issues would benefit the poultry industry [3]
Financial results express the economic viability of production in a dollar value (EUR currency)
Summary
Bedding material has ethological and technological functions within all farming breeding processes, regardless of the type of production. The rapid growth rate in broiler production and the gradual ban of the cage system for layers will mean more litter materials for the poultry industry. We have seen increased research in alternative bedding materials for poultry. Several alternatives to wood by-products have been used with varying outcomes on bird welfare and performance. In view of the differences in the availability of substrates used for bedding materials among regions, reviews summarizing the characteristics of alternative materials, their effectiveness, and major issues would benefit the poultry industry [3]. All analyzed bedding materials have similar limitations related to geographic limitation of the origin of raw materials, complex production processes, or economically unjustified usage
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