Litter reuse reduces Eimeria spp oocyst counts and improves the performance in broiler chickens reared in a tropical zone in Ecuador

Abstract

Summary The effect of recycling broiler chicken litter 2 or 3 times, on Eimeria spp oocyst counts and chicken growing performance at 35 days of age, was evaluated under a tropical climate in Ecuador. Second and third cycled litter had more oocysts per g of litter (opgl) than new bedding ( P<0.05) at 1, 7 and 14 days of age; however, opgl was higher ( P<0.05) in the first litter used than in the 2nd or 3rd cycled litters from broilers between 21 to 35 days of age. Feed conversion ratio was higher ( P<0.05) in chickens from the first litter used, compared to the 2nd and 3rd cycled litters; meanwhile, body weight, daily weight gain, feed consumption, and the European production efficiency factor were lower ( P<0.05) for the chickens reared on new bedding than in broilers reared on recycled litter. Accumulated mortality was lower ( P<0.05) in chickens reared on a 3rd cycled litter. Results of this study suggest that recycling litter is a good option for diminishing poultry litter production and improving the performance of broiler chickens.