Potential of pelleted wheat straw as an alternative bedding material for broilers
S K Kheravii1,2, R A Swick1, M Choct1,3
1Animal Science, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
Poultry Science
|February 17, 2017
Summary
Pelleted wheat straw improved broiler feed conversion and reduced footpad lesions and litter caking compared to other materials. This alternative litter shows promise for broiler farming, though further economic assessment is needed.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Poultry Husbandry
- Agricultural Engineering
Background:
- Wood shavings are a common broiler chicken litter, but their availability is limited globally.
- Alternative litter materials are needed to ensure sustainable broiler production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare pelleted straw, chopped wheat straw, wood shavings, rice hulls, and shredded paper as broiler litter.
- To evaluate the impact of different litter types on broiler performance, health, and welfare.
Main Methods:
- 360 male Ross 308 broiler chicks were housed in pens with 5 different litter treatments (pelleted straw, chopped straw, wood shavings, rice hulls, shredded paper).
- Feed conversion ratio (FCR), gizzard weight, gizzard pH, cecal bacterial populations, footpad lesions, breast blisters, and litter caking were assessed.
Main Results:
- Pelleted straw significantly improved FCR compared to rice hulls and reduced footpad lesions and litter caking compared to chopped straw and shredded paper.
- Wood shavings resulted in higher relative gizzard weight than pelleted straw.
- No significant differences were observed in gizzard pH or cecal bacterial groups across litter treatments.
Conclusions:
- Pelleted wheat straw demonstrates potential as an effective broiler litter material, offering benefits in performance and welfare.
- Further research is recommended to assess the economic viability of pelleted litter materials.
