Fungistatic Compounds in Broiler Production: 4. Microbiological and Physical Characteristics of Litter

Abstract

Experiments were conducted at the University of Florida and Mississippi State University to study the effect of several dietary fungistatic compounds on microbial characteristics and physical condition of broiler litter. Microbiological analysis and moisture determinations of the litter were made immediately before birds were placed in pens and every two weeks, thereafter, for a period of eight weeks. At the end of the study litter was scored at Florida for physical condition individually by three persons.At both institutions, dietary sorbic acid at 400 ppm and sorbic and adipic acids at 200 ppm each markedly depressed yeast and mold populations in the litter especially when the diet with the high level of moisture was fed. Both additives slightly reduced total aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the litter. At Florida, it was found that fresh litter contained a higher number of yeasts and molds but less bacteria when compared with old litter. Data from the same institution also showed slightly dryer litter with better physical condition when broilers were fed the fungistatic compounds. At Mississippi State, a higher litter moisture was found when birds were fed the high moisture diet. A 2% elevation in litter moisture resulted in higher yeast and mold counts and total bacterial counts.Data obtained from these experiments indicated that the inclusion of sorbic acid or a combination of sorbic and adipic acids in broiler diets has a potential benefit in controlling fungal growth in the litter and improving its physical condition.