Research Note: The Utilization of Recycled Sheetrock (Refined Gypsum) as a Litter Material for Broiler Houses

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the utilization of refined gypsum (recycled sheetrock) as a litter material on the growth performance and mortality of broiler chicks grown to market age. Broilers were placed in pens with either 13 cm fir wood shavings, 13 cm refined gypsum, or 9 cm refined gypsum topped with 4 cm fir shavings, and grown to 41 days of age.Litter material had no significant influence on chick mortality, feed conversion, condemnations, and incidences of leg abnormalities. Body weight gain was significantly lower for chicks reared on refined gypsum compared with the other litter treatments at 21 days of age, but by Day 41 no differences were observed between litter treatments. Percentage litter moisture of refined gypsum was significantly lower than either wood shaving treatments at both 21 and 41 days, although on a weight basis, the gypsum contained equal or more water. Litter material had no influence on room or brooding temperatures. Although it is quite dusty initially when placed in the house, refined gypsum may be an alternative bedding material to be utilized as a base and top-dressed with wood shavings.