Utilization of broiler litter as a source of crude protein for cattle I. The nutritional effect of different feed modification

This paper presents the results of an investigation to modified broiler litter as a crude protein source for cattle rations. Broiler litter samples were collected from six farms, selected randomly, in Saraburi and Lopburi Provinces in Thailand. Each of the farms used rice husks as the base litter material. The samples were mixed with cassava meal (0 percent, 10 percent, 20 percent), as well as mixed Effective Microorganism (EM) (5 percent). They were packed into 50 kilogram plastic bags and anaerobically fermented for 21 days, then pelleted raising the temperature to about 90 deg C in the process. Prior to, and after these periods, the nutrient content, extent of Salmonella spp. colonization and the modification costs were assessed. The results indicated that the nutrient content of the mixed broiler litter with cassava meal and EM differed significantly among treatments (p LT 0.05). The nutrient content tended to decrease with increasing cassava meal mixture, except for dry matter. After fermentation, the nutrient content tended to decrease and showed significantly different (P LT 0.05) for dry matter, crude protein, crude fat and ash. In contrast, energy content increased, but not significantly different (p GT 0.05). After pelleting, the nutrient content of mixed broiler litter decreased, but not significantly different (P GT 0.05). In contrast, dry matter increased and differed significantly (P LT 0.05). Most nutrient content was not affected and there was no interaction among factors, except dry matter. Salmonella spp. was evident in all samples of broiler litter prior to fermentation, but was in feeble situation, as detected by the indirect plating method (BPW-MSRV). After fermentation and pelleting, Salmonella spp. did not exist in any samples. Mixing broiler litter with cassava meal and mixed EM, and implementing the fermentation and pelleting processes, involves extra cost. Average costs of mixed broiler litter both prior to fermentation, after fermentation and after fermentation and pelleting compared to normal broiler litter (0.92 Baht/kg) were 28.3, 45.6 and 108.7 percent higher respectively.