Effect of processing method on ruminal solubility and degradability of broiler litter

Abstract

Ruminal crude protein (CP) degradability and solubility of ensiled, deepstacked, and composted broiler litter were determined in situ and in vitro, and compared to soybean meal. The estimated ruminal degradability of CP was 75·2% for soybean meal and 89–94% for broiler litter. Ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM) of broiler litter processed by different methods was 66–69%, and that of soybean meal was 77·9%. Degradability of DM of deepstacked litter from private farms was lower ( P s ̌ 0·05 ) in the surface and charred areas, compared with normal brown, properly preserved litter within the stack. Results indicate that nutritional value of broiler litter for ruminants is affected by soluble and degradable DM and CP. The nutritional value may be reduced by improper storage.