Evaluation of the bacteriological characteristics of poultry litter as feedstuff for cattle

Abstract

The bacteriological characteristics of poultry litter as feedstuff for cattle was evaluated by subjecting it to heat treatment by deep stacking.  Litter samples were assayed for pathogens before heat treatment commenced. The litter was bagged, stacked and covered with thick, black plastic cellophane in a roofed building for 21 days. The temperature of the stack was monitored with a thermometer and the readings recorded. At the end of the heat treatment, particles were removed from the litter with a mechanical sieve. Litter samples were subjected to proximate analysis, mineral composition profile, cultured in a McConkey medium and then incubated for 24 – 48 h at 37 – 42oC for various pathogens. Results showed that litter dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) contents were 87 and 20% respectively. Mineral composition varied from 0.10% for sodium to 4.50%, for phosphorus. The isolation temperature of pathogens in the untreated poultry litter ranged between 37oC for Salmonella sp. and Mycobacterium, 41oC forClostridium and Escherichia coli to 42oC for Staphylococcus. No pathogen was isolated after heat treatment (40.1 – 55oC) for 21 days. Poultry litter can be used as feedstuff for cattle if processed properly to eliminate pathogens and the nutrient levels equalized.   Key words: Bacteriological characteristics, cattle, deep stacking, pathogen, poultry litter.