The effect of litter material on the productivity and health of broiler chickens

Many different litter materials are used as bedding for broiler chickens in Australia. In this study, the effect of litter type on the productivity and health of broilers was investigated. Broilers were reared on rice hulls, softwood sawdust, pine shavings, reused single-batch litter (originally based on pine shavings), hardwood sawdust, shredded paper or chopped straw. Litter type affected (P < 0.05) feed intake to 21 days of age. However, the performance of broilers on all the litter types was comparable at 42 days of age. This is consistent with the findings of Brake et al. (1993) and subsequent researchers who did not observe significant production differences associated with litter material.