title: Phytotoxicity as an indicator of stability of broiler production residues.
abstract: Beddings used for successive broiler lots act as substrate to absorb water and feed from the excreta and may be subsequently used as agricultural fertilizers. This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics and the phytotoxicity of beddings used to raise five consecutive broiler lots in five aviaries. Samples were collected for beddings not used yet and for beddings used at each of the five broiler lots. Lettuce and cucumber seeds were considered as phytotoxicity bioindicators. As beddings were used for greater number of lots, N, Ca, K, Mg and P contents generally increased, but the C content decreased, the pH alkalinized and humidity was reduced (P < 0.05). The germination index for lettuce and cucumber seeds was reduced with increased bedding (P < 0.05). Beddings used for at least five broiler lots presented decreased C:N ratio and would not recommended for agricultural use due to its toxicity for both tested seeds.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Mendes
authors.affiliation: Centro de Engenharias, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.affiliation: Centro de Engenharias, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Corrêa
authors.affiliation: ReproPel, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bianchi
authors.affiliation: Brazil Foods, Marau, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Dai Prá
authors.affiliation: ReproPel, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lucia
authors.affiliation: Centro de Engenharias, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil. Electronic address: ericokundecorrea@yahoo.com.br.
authors.forename: E K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Corrêa
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis; D002645:Chickens; D018553:Cucumis sativus / Q000254:growth & development; D005308:Fertilizers; D018525:Germination; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D018545:Lactuca / Q000254:growth & development; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis; D012639:Seeds; D018675:Toxicity Tests / Q000379:methods*; D014866:Waste Products
chemical_list: D005308:Fertilizers; D014866:Waste Products; D002244:Carbon; D009584:Nitrogen
keywords: Bedding; Broilers; C:N ratio; Phytotoxicity