Litter management

Important functions of litter

Important features include the following capabilities
• Absorb moisture
• Dilute excrement and reduce the contact between chickens and chicken manure
• Insulate cold ground
• Allow broilers to express their normal behavior during growth and development
(Such as grabbing and pecking).
Although there are several types of litter, all litter should meet certain
Standards. The litter must have strong water absorption, light weight, cheap and non-toxic
specialty.

Selection and characteristics of litter

1. Excellent absorptive capacity.
2. May contain tannins, which can cause poisoning problems. Fragments may cause damage to the crop.
3. Generally, the humidity is relatively high, which is prone to mold and aspergillosis.
4. Wheat straw is better than barley straw because of its absorption capacity. Coarse-cut wheat stalks tend to clump because the first two weeks
Poor absorptive capacity. The straw should be cut to 2 cm long or shorter.
5. Difficult to manage when wet; it may clump easily, and
Smooth paper may not work well.
6. It is a cheap option in some areas, rice husk is a good bedding
select.
7. Easy to agglomerate, but easy to manage.
Sunflower husks, broken rice husks or sand are other options.

Litter assessment

A useful way to determine the moisture content of litter is to move around in the house
Grab a handful of litter and pinch gently. The assessment of litter humidity should be in the chicken house
Do it in the center, not around the water line or the feed line. Litter
It should feel loose when pinched in your hand. If the padding is finished,
Formed together, that means too wet. For best broiler welfare and health (foot
Bedding, respiratory system, eyes, etc.). The bedding should cover the entire chicken house and should
It dries and relaxes. The litter should be able to stick to your hands a little, and after falling to the ground
Enough to spread out. Wet litter (>25%) may cause flock welfare and/or health
Problems, there may also be more chicken breast blisters, skin burns,
The increase in the elimination rate and the decrease in meat quality. The litter may be too wet
Causes ammonia levels to rise.