Using Some Available Palm Residues in new Valley as Alternative Bedding Materials for Raising Broilers

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the some available plant residues as alternative litter materials in New Valley on the growth performance of broiler. The study included six groups of treatments, with three replicates for each treatment (3 replicates of 10 chicks each); (wheat straw, wood sawdust, rice hulls, corn stalks chips, chopped palm fiber and palm spines chips litters). Results of growth performance at final periods or at market age, shows significant differences (P≤0.05) was recorded among different litter types. In that broiler reared on wheat straw, corn stalks chips and palm spines chips litters had significant superiority body weight and gain over the broiler reared on wood sawdust, rice hulls and chopped palm fiber. Also, feed conversion of broiler reared on wheat straw, wood sawdust, corn stalks chips and palm spines chips litters had significant superiority values. No significant differences were found in dressed carcass, while, the lowest abdominal fat is observed for broilers raised on wood sawdust, corn stalks chips and chopped palm fiber litters. Broilers raised on wheat straw and wood sawdust had a significantly (P≤0.05) higher bursa percentage than those of birds raised on rice hulls and chopped palm fiber litters. The lowest leg problems score is observed for broilers raised on corn stalks chips litter in comparison with those raised on rice hulls and chopped palm fiber litters. In conclusion, corn stalks chips and palm spines chips can potentially be used as alternative litter materials for managing broilers in New Valley.