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Bacterial Pathogens and Indicators in Poultry Litter during Re-Utilization

Department of Health Sciences, Campus Box 5220, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-5220; Phone: (309) 438-5142; FAX: (309) 438-2450

Oscar C. Pancorbo

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Lawrence, MA 01843

William C. Merka

Extension Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602

Sidney A. Thompson

Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602

Miguel L. Cabrera

Department of Agronomy/Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602

Harold M. Barnhart

Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602

Correspondence: Timothy R. Kelley

A study of broiler litter re-utilization potential was conducted with a goal of determining if a coarse litter fraction could be safely re-utilized as a supplement for wood shavings bedding without significant pathogen accumulation. Pathogenic and indicator bacteria were monitored in three litter types (coarse fractions of fresh or stored litter supplemented with wood shavings, or wood shavings alone) during a 40-day growth period in broiler house pens. Initial microbial concentrations were higher in fresh litter than in stored litter or wood shavings. Significant increases in microbial concentrations occurred during 40 days of re-utilization in fresh/stored/shavings litter. No consistent significant differences were found among concentrations of microorganisms in fresh/stored/shavings litter during re-utilization.

Key Words: Bacteria • broiler • fractionated • indicators • litter • pathogens • re-utilization