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Evaluation of Alternative Litter Materials for Poultry

Department of Animal Production, Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, BP 6202 Rabat-Instituts, Morocco; Phone: 212-7-77-05-17; FAX: 212-7-77-81-10

Correspondence: K. Benabdeljelil

Three studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of alternative litter materials on cockerel performance and litter quality. Soft wheat straw (whole or ground), rice straw (ground), sawdust, wood shavings, and rice hulls were tested as a sole layer and in various combinations. The type of litter used did not affect bird performance, water consumption, or the incidence of leg abnormalities or defects. The effects on litter moisture content, pH, temperature, overall cleanliness scores, and ammonia nitrogen were not consistent. Straw-based litters had the highest moisture contents, pH values, and temperatures and were attributed the lowest quality scores. This study indicates that the alternative materials rice straw, sawdust, wood shavings, and rice hulls solely or in combination can successfully be used as poultry litter without apparent adverse effects on bird performance or overall litter quality.

Key Words: Litter material • performance • sawdust • straw • wood shavings