Use of Gyttja as Litter Material in Broiler Houses

Abstract

The aim of the current experiment was to evaluate the possibility of the use of gyttja as an alternative litter material to pine wood shaving in broiler production. In the current experiment 3150 chicks were used in two experimental groups consisting of 1575 chicks with three repetitions (3x525 chicks). The experiment last for 39 days. During the experiment chicks in two experimental groups with same diets. There were no significant differences between experimental groups in terms of live weigth, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and mortality. However, foot pad dermatitis (FPD) was found to be higher in the gyttja litter group and the difference between the groups was significant (P=0.011). In conclusion, gyttja could be used instead of pine wood shavings as litter in broiler houses without compromising the growth parameters. However, it should be known that there will be more FPD when using gyttja as litter in broiler production compared to using pine wood shavings.