The use of unsterilised chicken litter
Dr G Gaigher BVSc.
It is generally not recommended that unsterilised chicken litter be used in cattle rations, but because many farmers do make use of it some guidelines are given here. Farmers are using it on their own risk.
The composition varies considerably between batches of litter and could be influenced by inter alia:
- Removal of dead chickens.
- The amount and type of ration used for the chickens.
- The type and level of growth stimulant used in the chicken ration.
A typical analysis for chicken litter (broiler litter) with a moisture content of 20% is as follows:
- 44-45 % Total digestible nutrients
- 18-20 % Protein
- 14-18 % Fibre
- 1,3-1,8 % Calcium
- 0,96-1,4 % Phosphor
- 0,9 % Sodium chloride (salt)
- 1,8 % Fat
- 172mg / kg Zinc
- 256mg / kg Manganese
- 16 mg / kg Copper
- 0,4 % Magnesium
- 0,16 % Sulphur
- 1 % Potassium
This analysis is a guide only, please consult your feed consultant when composing a ration containing chicken litter.
Chicken litter is usually fed as a lick in winter when the protein value of natural veld is at its lowest. Sometimes salt is added to limit intake. Chicken litter usually has a better enrgy content than poor quality hay. It is recommended that the daily intake not be more than 1,2kg. Larger quantities (esp. more than 3kg per day ) may cause liver damage, reduced growth and poor reproduction. When chicken litter was fed as only feed over a few months the deaths due to liver damage was up to 20%.
The following problems may arise with feeding of chicken litter:
- Botulism. Ensure that animals are vaccinated at 5-6 months against botulism and again after 4-6 weeks. Thereafter an annual booster has to be given. When buying in new animals make sure that they are vaccinated at least twice with the second vaccination three weeks before feeding chicken litter.
- Degeneration of the liver. Intakes of more than 3kg may lead to liver damage, poor reproduction and even deaths. Intake should thus be limited and enough feed trough space provided to prevent stronger animals from overeating. Enough veld or hay must be provided — chicken litter does not replace roughage.
- Microorganisms. Unsterilised litter may contain harmful bacteria and fungi that may cause abortion or gastrointestinal problems.
- Copper poisoning may occur in sheep when fed large quantities as copper is sometimes used as growth stimulant in chicken rations.
- Milk fever. Because chicken litter contains high amounts of calcium this may lead to an increased incidence of milk fever especially if fed during the last three weeks before calving to dairy cows.
- Ionophore poisoning. The ionophore containing the active substance maduramycin is toxic to cattle because it damages heart muscles and causes sudden death. Ionophores are included to stimulate growth in chickens.
From the above it is clear that unsterilised chicken litter can harbour potential hazards and thus farmers use it on their own risk.
Acknowledgement: Cedara Report, Kwazulu-Natal Dept. of Agriculture
