Some alternative litter materials used for growing broilers and turkeys

Abstract

This paper discusses materials used as bedding or litter for the rearing of broilers and turkeys in the U.S.A. The U.S. poultry industry has historically used pine shavings as the litter of choice for many years. Sawdust has replaced pine shavings in many areas, however, not by choice, but because pine shavings have become increasingly difficult to obtain. Regionally, rice hulls, straw, and peanut hulls can be found in use by poultry producers for litter. Re-cycled paper products have received a lot of research and development, but have not had a great deal of acceptance by the poultry industry. Sand is another alternative bedding that is currently being tested in southern climates. Alternative litter materials for poultry will continue to be researched and evaluated, and pine shavings or sawdust will probably continue to be used as the benchmark comparison. However, while bird performance will always be a threshold criterion, cost and availability will ultimately determine the adoption of new or alternative litter materials by poultry growers and the poultry industry.