The Microflora of Southern Ohio Poultry Litter

Abstract

INTRODUCTION THE disposal of 48 million tons of poultry litter produced annually (Wadleigh, 1968) has become a major problem to the broiler and shell egg producers. Studies by several investigators on the utilization of this material have shown that satisfactory animal nutrition can be obtained when cattle, chickens, sheep, and swine are fed poultry litter as a part of their diet (Noland et al., 1955; Southwell et al., 1958; Camp, 1959; Wehunt et al., 1960; Carmody, 1964; Brugmann et al., 1964; Fontenot et al., 1964 and 1965; Ray and Child, 1964, 1965; Bhattacharya, 1965a, b; Drake et al., 1965). This utilization practice provides poultrymen with a means of litter disposal, and cattlemen with an inexpensive new feed source. Primarily because of potential public health problems, the Food and Drug Administration has stated a policy which informs the public that they do not sanction the use of poultry litter as food…