The effects of different litter material on broiler performance and feet health.

Abstract

The study was implemented at the National University of Lesotho with the aim to find a potential litter material for use in broiler production. The study followed a completely randomized design with four litter treatments replicated three times. A well ventilated house divided into 12 pans was used where each pan or a replicate contain 15 birds with a total of (n=180) birds. Feeding and watering were done on ad libitum basis while the normal routine for broiler production was followed. Litter treatments were made up of control represented by wood shaving and it was compared to dried pine leaves, decomposed kraal manure and sand. All litter materials were applied at the depth of 10 cm. Data was collected on the following parameters broiler production, feet health and chemical and physical properties. Litter material treatment had no significant influence on feed intake, body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio and mortality rate. Regarding broiler feet health litter treatment had significant influence on foot pad dermatitis while hock burns and broiler temperature were not statistically different amongst litter treatments. Litter evaluation results revealed that different litter sources were differing significantly in terms ammonia emissions, water holding capacity. pH and bulk density while litter temperature did not differ significantly between litter treatments. It was concluded that both dried pine leave and decomposed kraal manure are potential sources that could replace wood shavings in broiler production. Dried pine leaves ideal for improved production while decomposed kraal manure deemed fit for ensure good feet health. It is therefore recommended that farmers in Lesotho can use both decomposed kraal manure and dried pine leaves to replace wood shavings.