title: The effect of quicklime (CaO) on litter condition and broiler performance.
abstract: High levels of phosphorus and pathogens in runoff are 2 major concerns following manure applications to fields. Phosphorus losses from fields following manure applications have been linked to the solubility of phosphorus in manure; therefore, by decreasing manure phosphorus solubility, a decrease in phosphorus loss in runoff should be apparent. The objective of this research was to develop a process using quicklime that would result in reduced phosphorus solubility and bacteria counts in broiler litter. The 4 litter treatments evaluated were T1, new wood shavings without the addition of quicklime; T2, used, untreated broiler litter; T3, used litter with 10% quicklime (based on the weight of the litter); and T4, used litter with 15% quicklime (based on the weight of the litter). Body weight, cumulative feed consumption, and feed conversion (feed:BW) were determined on a weekly basis through 42 d of age. Mortality was recorded daily. Carcass weights and percentages of carcass yield without giblets were determined prechill. Litter pH, total phosphorus, nitrogen, soluble phosphorus, litter moisture (%), and total plate counts were measured for each litter treatment on d 7 and 42 after bird placement. No significant differences were found for BW, feed consumption, feed conversion, mortality, carcass weight, or carcass yield. No breast or footpad blisters were observed. On d 7, 15% quicklime had higher (P < 0.001) pH (11.2) when compared with the other treatments. Percentages of phosphorus and nitrogen were lower (P < 0.001) for new wood shavings in comparison with the used litter treatments. Soluble phosphorus (ppm) was lower (P < 0.001) for 15% quicklime (2.75) when compared with new wood shavings (42.2), untreated broiler litter (439.2), and 10% quicklime (35.0). Although not significant, 15% quicklime had lower total plate counts (cfu/g) in comparison with the other treatments on d 1 and 10 postmixing and at 7 d after bird placement. Litter conditions on d 42 after bird placement were similar. We concluded that the use of quicklime as a treatment for broiler litter would initially reduce nitrogen and soluble phosphorus and bacteria counts without negatively affecting bird productivity.
authors.affiliation: Escuela Agricola Panamericana, Zamorano, Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ruiz
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ruiz
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Gernat
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Grimes
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Murillo
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Wineland
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: R O
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Maguire
mesh_terms: D000827:Animal Welfare; D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects; D017610:Calcium Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002645:Chickens / Q000254:growth & development*; D005430:Floors and Floorcoverings / Q000592:standards*; D006799:Housing, Animal / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D010087:Oxides / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D017610:Calcium Compounds; D010087:Oxides; C016538:lime