In-house windrowing of a commercial broiler farm during the summer months and its effect on litter composition

Abstract

SUMMARY In-house windrowing of broiler litter between flocks has been suggested as an effective method to reduce pathogens and improve the quality of the house environment in which new chicks are placed. In this study, different methods of in-house windrowing were tested in commercial broiler houses during the summer months of July and August to determine the effects each would have on litter composition. Three windrowing treatments and 1 control treatment were applied to 2 commercial broiler houses containing litter that was used over multiple flock grow-outs. Windrowing treatments included windrows with either the addition of water, turning of the windrow, or leaving the windrow undisturbed for 8 d. Each commercial broiler house was divided into 16 plots, each 6.1 × 6.1 m, with each treatment being applied to 4 plots per house. Litter from each plot was analyzed for moisture content, pH, NH3, and microbes over a 17-d period, with d 17 representing 7 d after chick placement. Moisture content was significantly lower in the control treatment compared with all other treatments. Litter in all treatments had decreased pH from d 0 to 17. Ammonia decreased from d 10 to 17. Litter windrowed without the addition of water or turning resulted in a decrease in anaerobic bacteria on d 17 compared with the control treatment. In conclusion, in-house windrowing may be beneficial for newly placed chicks by changing the litter environment and reducing the population of pathogenic anaerobes, which can be detrimental to bird health and production.