Poultry production is perhaps one of the most common and lucrative agricultural practices in the world. The industry is growing rapidly and with this rapid growth comes the challenge of managing the enormous poultry wastes generated daily from this venture.
Proper poultry litter management is extremely important not only for the welfare of the birds but also for environmental safety and health of the populace.
This comprehensive guide will outline the importance of poultry litter management while providing information on the types and composition of poultry litter and highlight best practices for its management.
Overview of Poultry Litter Management
Effective poultry litter management is critical and essential for the success of any poultry farm.
The percentage of faecal material in generated poultry waste can vary depending on a number factors including the type of birds being raised, the age and size of the birds, the prevailing health conditions of the birds and the management practices employed on the farm such as the feed nutrient composition.
Overall, studies have shown that faecal materials can make up about 50% to 80% of the total dry weight of poultry litter with the remaining being chiefly bedding material, feathers, feed and other waste products.
The accumulation of poultry litter being waste metabolic products not only poses risks to the birds’ health but also has negative effects on the environment and the overall farm operation.
Proper poultry litter management practices can minimise the negative impact of poultry waste and also lead to economic benefits for the farm.
Understanding The Advantages of Litter Management
Poultry litter is a mixture of manure, bedding material, feathers, and spilled feed that accumulates on the floor of poultry houses.
The composition of poultry litter varies depending on factors such as bird type, age, diet, and management practices. Common bedding materials used in poultry houses include straw, wood shavings, and sawdust.
Bedding materials are most commonly used in brooder houses and they offer support for birds placed on the floor. These are normally 5 – 10 cm thick comprising of wood shavings and also acts as adsorbent for excreted materials making the floor conducive for the birds.
Importance of Proper Poultry Litter Management
Ammonia and other gases released from poorly managed poultry litter can cause respiratory problems for both birds and farm workers. Properly managed poultry litter can help reduce the intensity and smell associated of these noxious gases which are detrimental to the well being of birds.
Accumulation of poultry litter can also lead to the proliferation of bacteria and parasites, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
Proper litter management can reduce these risks and also has economic benefits for the farm.
Good quality poultry litter can be used as fertiliser or sold to other farms.
Effective Litter Management Practices
Effective poultry litter management practice can be divided into the Basic and Advanced techniques.
Basic techniques include selecting the right litter material, managing litter moisture levels, cleaning and disinfecting poultry houses regularly while advanced poultry litter management techniques include composting, pelleting, and using poultry litter as a fuel source.
Composting poultry litter can reduce the volume and weight of poultry litter and also produce valuable organic fertiliser.
Pelleting poultry litter will make it easier to handle and transport and can also be used as a fuel source in biomass boilers, reducing the farm’s energy costs and environmental impact.
The following are some common Poultry litter management practices
- Regular Cleaning: Regular evacuation of litter from the poultry house is important to prevent the toxic accumulation of ammonia and other harmful gases. These gases can cause serious respiratory distress and infections for the birds. Litter evacuation should be done in such a way that creates minimal stress on the birds.
- Composting: Composting is a popular method of managing poultry litter. The litter is mixed with other organic materials, such as leaves or straw, and allowed to decompose for several months. The resulting compost can be used as a fertilizer for crops.
- Stockpiling: Stockpiling is another method of managing poultry litter. The litter is piled up in a designated area and left to decompose over time. The resulting material can be used as a soil amendment or sold to gardeners or farmers.
- Land application: Poultry litter can be spread on fields as a fertilizer. However, this practice should be done carefully to avoid over-application, which can lead to environmental pollution and the contamination of groundwater.
- Disposal: Poultry litter can be disposed of in landfills or incinerated. However, these methods are not environmentally friendly and can be expensive.
Regardless of the method used, it is important to properly handle and store poultry litter to prevent the spread of disease and protect the environment.
Effective poultry litter management requires a holistic approach that involves developing a comprehensive management plan, monitoring and testing poultry litter regularly, staff training and education, and regular maintenance and upkeep of poultry houses and equipment.
Developing a management plan involves the careful consideration of factors such as bird type, age, and number of birds per unit area.
Regular monitoring and testing of poultry litter can help identify potential issues early and take corrective actions.
Regular staff training and education are also critical for ensuring proper poultry litter management practices.
Environmental Impact of Poultry Litter
Uncontrolled accumulation of poultry litter can have significant impact on the environment if not properly managed sometimes resulting in significant pollution of the soil and waterways.
In erosion prone areas, this accumulation can result in overfilling of sewage systems which could result further contamination of water beds.
Excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, in the poultry litter can contaminate and harm aquatic ecosystems.
Proper litter management practices can help reduce these environmental impact on poultry farming.
Regulation and Policies on Litter Management
Developed countries have regulations and policies in place to ensure that poultry litter are properly managed and treated as emergency public health concern.
These regulations typically require poultry farmers to properly store, transport, and dispose of poultry litter.
Some of these regulations also require regular monitoring and testing of poultry litter to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
It is advisable that poultry farmers should be aware of these regulations and policies and comply with them to avoid penalties and maintain good environmental stewardship.
Benefits of Proper Poultry Litter Management?
Good quality poultry litter can also be used as a valuable organic fertiliser or sold to other farms.
Proper poultry litter management practices can lead to economic benefits for the farm and also contribute to the sustainable development of the poultry industry while maintaining public health safety.
Conclusion
Effective management practices can reduce the risk of disease transmission, improve air flow, improve water quality and contribute to the sustainable development of the poultry industry at a National level.
Poultry farmers should be aware of the composition and characteristics of poultry litter while following best management practices and strive to comply with government regulations and policies on poultry litter management.
With proper management, poultry litter can be turned from a waste product into a valuable resource.
