Broiler Litter as a Fertilizer or Livestock Feed

The growth in the broiler industry and the concomitant increase in the broiler litter generated out of these operations, coupled with increased environmental awareness, has resulted in increased interest by producers and scientists in uses for broiler litter. Long-term land applications of broiler litter have resulted in a buildup of some nutrients in certain soils. Research results indicate that annual application rates of up to 4 ton/acre of litter are acceptable, but should be accompanied by annual soil testing. Broiler litter of adequate quality is acceptable as a livestock feed, provided the litter is properly processed prior to feeding. When used as a livestock feed, the ash level in litter is of concern due to its negative effects on the nutritive value (total digestible nutrients, TDN) of litter diets containing relatively high ash levels. Based on expected levels of performance, broiler litter-based diets require varying levels of grain to meet the nutrient requirements of different classes of livestock. Broiler litter can be used as both fertilizer and livestock feed, and the combining of broiler production with a commercial beef operation represents an attractive integration of two enterprises. Research QuestionPoultry and egg production has increased 44% from 1982 to 1994 with broiler production accounting for approximately 92% of the total increase. The southeastern states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and Mississippi account for 51% of the total broiler production in the USA. The 55 000 poultry houses in the USA annually generate 5.5 million tons of poultry litter, a potential environmental contaminant. Broiler litter has value in livestock operations both as fertilizer for pastures and as feed for beef animals and nonlactating dairy animals, provided precautions are taken. Literature SummaryBroiler litter has primarily been used as a fertilizer for pastures, providing approximately 58 lb N/ton, 48 lb P₂O₅/ton, and 37 lb K₂O/ton. The slow release of the organically bound N component of broiler litter results in a fertilizer that is best suited to a season-long grazing system by providing a relatively constant nutrient supply for growing forages. Certain soils receiving long-term applications of broiler litter have shown a buildup of certain minerals, and annual application rates should not exceed 4 ton/acre. Broiler litter can also be used as a feed source for beef cattle and nonlactating dairy cattle. Processing prior to feeding is required to insure biological safety from bacterial pathogens present in raw broiler litter, and the possible presence of extraneous materials, such as nails and other hardware. Broiler litter can be mixed at varying levels with concentrate feeds to formulate a diet that provides for the production requirements of various classes of livestock. Applied QuestionsCan broiler litter be used as fertilizer for pastures? Broiler litter has been shown to supply nutrients to support grass production in pastures. Application rates of broiler litter not exceeding 4 tons/acre have been shown to cause less nutrient runoff than some commercial fertilization rates. Declining clover populations have been observed in some studies, while others report enhanced clover production following broiler litter applications. Can broiler litter be used as feed for livestock? Properly processed broiler litter (heat treated for biological safety and foreign material removal) can provide a major nutrient source for cattle. Cattle require an adaptation period to broiler litter-based diets, so litter is usually mixed with concentrate feeds. Higher producing animals are generally fed diets with a lower percentage of broiler litter for greater digestible nutrient intake. What are some potential hazards with using broiler litter in a livestock operation? Excessive application rates of broiler litter (greater than 4 to/acre) on pastures can lead to a buildup of certain soil cations, and in extreme cases can result in nutrient runoff into streams and ponds. Application rates of 4 ton/acre of broiler litter should not be exceeded, and a soil test analysis should be conducted annually prior to litter applications. Broiler litter-based diets require some supplemental hay to meet fiber requirements. Proper processing of broiler litter must occur prior to feeding to insure microbial safety (deep-stacking) and include the removal of potentially dangerous foreign materials (nails, wire) from the litter. Cattle fed broiler litter or grazed on winter pastures fertilized with broiler litter can exhibit greater incidences of both milk fever and grass tetany, deficiencies of calcium and magnesium, respectively. RecommendationBroiler litter spread on pastures at rates not exceeding 4 ton/acre can be effective in promoting season-long forage production with minimal environmental concerns. Pastures receiving broiler litter applications should be soil tested annually. Broiler litter intended to be fed to beef cattle must meet certain minimum nutritional requirements as well as being free from pathogens and foreign objects. Integrating broiler litter into livestock-forage management systems is economically feasible and environmentally sound.