Does feeding more phases reduce ammonia concentrations from broiler litter?

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Nutrition
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Ammonia (NH3) emissions from broiler litter pose environmental and welfare concerns.
• Optimizing feeding programs can potentially mitigate NH3 production.
• Multi-phase feeding strategies aim to match nutrient supply with broiler requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of a 3-phase versus a 5-phase feeding program on broiler production.
• To evaluate the impact on ammonia concentrations, litter quality, nitrogen utilization, performance, welfare, and meat deposition.
• To assess the potential environmental benefits of a 5-phase feeding strategy.

Main Methods:

• 744 Ross 308 male broilers were divided into 3-phase and 5-phase feeding treatments (6 replicates each).
• Diets were formulated with varying crude protein (CP) and digestible lysine levels across phases.
• Measurements included ammonia concentrations, litter composition, nitrogen utilization, performance, welfare indicators (foot lesions), and carcass yield.

Main Results:

• The 5-phase program significantly reduced ammonia concentrations at 23 and 37 days of age (by 37.95% and 20.81%, respectively).
• A tendency for lower litter total ammoniacal nitrogen and total nitrogen was observed with the 5-phase diet.
• Birds on the 5-phase diet showed fewer foot lesions, but feed conversion ratio (FCR) was negatively impacted overall and between 17-24 days.

Conclusions:

• A 5-phase feeding program effectively reduces ammonia volatilization from broiler litter, contributing to environmental and health benefits.
• Growth performance and meat deposition were maintained despite a significant decrease in feed efficiency with the 5-phase program.
• The 5-phase strategy shows promise for mitigating ammonia emissions in broiler houses.