Types of litter for poultry

Poultry farming is a promising branch of agriculture. The main directions: egg and meat, feather and down is secondary direction. What are the main advantages of poultry farming?

First of all, this is a small start-up capital, which is necessary to start a poultry business. Compared to other domestic animals, poultry is much cheaper and more productive. A short production cycle allows quickly return the spent money and work for a net profit. In addition, poultry has a high feed conversion ratio and a unique ability to quickly convert vegetable protein into animal protein.

Of course, any  business requires a certain contribution. Therefore, if you intend to develop your business and get income from it, you should take care and create all favorable conditions for keeping poultry. Remember, the economy is inappropriate in that case.

Conditions of poultry breeding and types of litter

The conditions of keeping the poultry depend on the type of poultry farm. As a rule laying hens are kept in battery cages. Poultry, which is grown for the meat production, is kept on a deep litter.

Different materials are used for deep litter::

 

  • Wood sawdust and shavings;
  • Straw;
  • Peat;
  • Leaves;
  • Sand etc.

Whatever material the litter is consisted of, it is important that it possesses a high moisture-absorbing capacity and optimum thermal conductivity. Otherwise, pathogenic bacteria, which are the causative agents of many diseases, can start to develop in the litter. Unfortunately, high humidity is not the only problem of litter materials. The danger for poultry is also the emission from the litter of harmful gases (ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide), which significantly reduce the productivity of poultry. In addition, harmful gases have a sharp smell, which makes the work of the farmer more difficult. It is also important to remember about safety. The litter material must not harm the environment or endanger the health of poultry.

What kind of litter to choose? First of all, let’s learn in more detail about all the pros and cons of each material for litter.

Deep litter for poultry. Types. Advantages and disadvantages.

Litter material Advantages Disadvantages
Wood sawdust and shavings

·       Safe for poultry;

·       Have a high moisture-absorbing capacity;

·       The substances in the resin have antibacterial properties;

·       Affordable price.

 ·       Become wet and cold in the winter season;

·       Contain a large amount of dust, which harms the respiratory system;

·       Possess low thermal insulation properties;

·       Can be pressed into a stiff mass.
Straw ·       It absorbs moisture well;

·       Soft;

·       Provides additional heating of the poultry house;

·       Easy to replace;

·       Neutralizes the pathogenic microflora in the litter.

 ·       High probability of contamination by mold fungi spores and plants pollen.

 
Peat ·       Maximum absorbs ammonia and carbon dioxide (up to seven times more than other materials);

·       Destroys the unpleasant odor;

·       Has bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties;

·       Improves the microclimate of the room.

 

 ·       In case of high humidity, it strongly pollutes the bird;

·       Quickly crumpled.
Leaves ·       Do not require material investment (savings);

·       Some leaves, such as walnuts, have antiseptic properties.

 ·       Not all leaves are suitable as litter;

·       Leaves should be dry and stored in a dry place. If the leaves become damp, they become unsuitable as litter.
Sand ·       Neutralizes unpleasant odors;

·       Has high moisture-absorbing properties;

·       Soft and safe;

·       Can be used additionally as a bath for poultry.

·       Rapidly soaks moisture and dries for a long time;

·       Low thermal conductivity. In winter it can be cold for poultry.

 

 

Antibacterial agent for litter “Mikadez”

Many farmers use special means (dehumidifiers) to process litter materials so that the poultry does not get sick, and the conditions of keeping meet all sanitary and hygienic requirements. One of such means is “MIKADEZ” produced by the company “Globus”. This unique product not only absorbs excess moisture in the litter, but also has antibacterial properties, destroys all pathogenic microorganisms and prevents the release of harmful gases.

The systematic use of the “MIKADEZ”  litter dryer significantly improves the condition and productivity of the poultry, contributes to the healing process of abrasions and cuts, reduces the risk of diseases, stimulates growth and development. With “MIKADEZ” litter dryer, the litter will always be warm, loose and soft. Take care of your business, buy the litter dryer “MIKADEZ” and get the maximum profit!