Published in Agron. J. 104:908–916 (2012) Posted online [DATE] doi:10.2134/agronj2011.0385 Copyright © 2012 by the American Society of Agronomy, 5585 Guilford Road, Madison, WI 53711. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval s...

The intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens and the microbiota in the litter have been well studied, but the interactions between these two microbiotas remain to be determined. Therefore, we examined their reciprocal effects by analyzing the intestinal microbiotas of broilers reared on fresh pine shavings versus reused litter, as well as the litter microbiota over a 6-week cycle. Composite il...

The antimicrobial properties of essential oils have been demonstrated by various in vitro studies, whereas their effect on poultry farm hygiene has not been thoroughly investigated, in particular with reference to aerial treatment. The present study aims to assess the antibacterial effects of natural essential oils in broiler houses. Two experimental rooms were fogged with aqueous solutions of ...

Few studies have examined the use of poultry litter as an alternative to inorganic P and K fertilizers for flood-irrigated rice. The objective of this study was to compare fresh and pelletized poultry litter to inorganic P and K fertilizers to document the availability of P and K in poultry litter. Inorganic P and K fertilizers, fresh broiler litter, and pelletized litter were preplant-incorpor...

The application of poultry litter to agricultural fields can provide plant nutrients for crops and forage production, but fecal bacteria and the sex hormones estradiol and testosterone are components of litter that can be detrimental to the environment. Our objective was to determine if applications of poultry litter to small watersheds would contribute to the load of fecal bacteria and sex hor...

Alum used for poultry houses is sold under the commercial name of “Al+ Clear” in either liquid or dry form. Alum should not be confused with other litter treatment chemicals such as “PLT” (poultry litter treatment), as PLT is comprised mainly of sodium bisulfate (NaHSO4). Although PLT is effective at reducing ammonia levels, pathogens in house, energy costs, and potentially increasing forage yi...