Bacterial Pathogens and Indicators in Poultry Litter during Re-Utilization

Abstract

A study of broiler litter re-utilization potential was conducted with a goal of determining if a coarse litter fraction could be safely re-utilized as a supplement for wood shavings bedding without significant pathogen accumulation. Pathogenic and indicator bacteria were monitored in three litter types (coarse fractions of fresh or stored litter supplemented with wood shavings, or wood shavings alone) during a 40-day growth period in broiler house pens. Initial microbial concentrations were higher in fresh litter than in stored litter or wood shavings. Significant increases in microbial concentrations occurred during 40 days of re-utilization in fresh/stored/shavings litter. No consistent significant differences were found among concentrations of microorganisms in fresh/stored/shavings litter during re-utilization.