The use of metam-sodium to reduce bacteria in poultry litter

Abstract

SUMMARY The use of built-up litter is currently standard practice in the US poultry industry. However, there is the potential for pathogens to accumulate in built-up litter. One significant pathogen associated with a variety of diseases in poultry is Clostridium perfringens. This particular bacterium is relatively hardy and can survive even some of the more rigorous litter treatments commonly used by the poultry industry. It was the purpose of this research to determine the efficacy of a common soil fumigant, metam-sodium, in reducing C. perfringens numbers in the litter. In addition to C. perfringens, total aerobic and anaerobic bacterial numbers were measured after the product was applied at 1, 3, and 5 gal/ton (4.17, 12.52, and 20.86 mL/kg). This product had only a minor effect in reducing C. perfringens numbers. Conversely, aerobic bacteria were significantly reduced at all application levels, and anaerobic bacteria were significantly reduced at levels of 3 and 5 gal/ton. Because of the inability of this product to influence ammonia, pH, or litter moisture levels, we concluded that it is best used in conjunction with one of the currently available litter treatments for reducing overall bacterial numbers.