Evaluation of Different Litter Management Techniques on Broiler Performance and Ammonia Emissions

Abstract

Background: The efficient management of broiler litter is essential for optimizing broiler performance, welfare, and environmental sustainability in the poultry industry.
 Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different litter management techniques on broiler performance and ammonia emissions.
 Methods: Various strategies, including litter amendments, litter moisture control, and litter additives, were implemented and their effects on broiler growth and ammonia levels were assessed.
 Results: The results demonstrated that incorporating specific amendments and additives in the litter improved broiler performance, with the control group having an average body weight of 2300 grams, while the group using litter amendments had an average body weight of 2350 grams. The control group had a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.63, whereas the group utilizing litter additives had the lowest FCR of 1.52. Furthermore, the mortality rate in the control group was 3.2%, which decreased to 2.1% in the group utilizing litter additives.
 Conclusion: These techniques effectively reduced ammonia emissions, with the control group having an ammonia level of 20 ppm, while the group using litter amendments had a significantly lower ammonia level of 12 ppm. These findings highlighted the importance of informed litter management decisions to enhance broiler productivity and minimize environmental impact in poultry operations.