Effects of peat as a litter material on ammonia emissions from experimental broiler houses

Shutong Dong, Jan van Harn, Kris De Baere, Ine Kempen, Albert Winkel

Research output: Book/ReportReportProfessional

Abstract

This report describes the results of a study conducted by Wageningen Livestock Research and Proefbedrijf Pluimveehouderij in Geel, Belgium, in collaboration with the Poultry Expertise Centre, to ascertain the potential of peat as litter material in reducing ammonia emissions from experimental broiler houses in comparison to white wood shavings (reference litter material). Other variables measured included personal dust exposure, zootechnical performance, litter quality, litter composition and animal welfare. Rooms with peat litter had an ammonia emission of (12.81 g animal place-1 year-1), which was significantly higher than those with wood shavings (4.75 g animal place-1 year-1). The litter material had no influence on zootechnical performance (body weight, growth rate, feed conversion ratio, mortality) and the final litter composition (total N, ammonium N, P, K, ash, dry matter content, pH). However, broilers kept on peat litter had fewer footpad lesions and hock dermatitis than broilers kept on wood shavings. The results from this work indicated that peat litter does not reduce ammonia emissions from experimental broiler houses compared with wood shavings, probably due to being less wet and more friable, but it could improve animal welfare.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationWageningen
PublisherWageningen Livestock Research
Number of pages46
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2024

Publication series

NameReport / Wageningen Livestock Research
No.1528

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