Stacking broiler litter to reduce natural hormones.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Animal Science
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Broiler litter contains naturally occurring hormones like estrone, 17β-estradiol, and testosterone.
• These hormones can pose environmental concerns if not managed properly before land application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate hormone dynamics in stacked broiler litter during storage.
• To understand how stacking management affects hormone concentrations before land application.

Main Methods:

• Hormone concentrations and stack temperatures were monitored at various heights (15-105 cm) in 6 broiler litter stacks over 4-8 weeks.
• Data analysis correlated temperature, height, and hormone degradation rates.

Main Results:

• Stack temperatures ranged from 41.5°C to 54.5°C in the first 4 weeks, peaking at 45-75 cm height.
• Hormone concentrations of 17β-estradiol and testosterone decreased significantly (35-64%) in most stacks after 4-8 weeks.
• High temperatures (7-day) negatively correlated with estrone and 17β-estradiol mineralization, suggesting inhibition.

Conclusions:

• Broiler litter stacking can reduce hormone concentrations, but high temperatures may hinder estrogen degradation.
• Stack management favoring periods of lower temperatures could enhance hormone mineralization and reduce environmental impact.