Wet litter in broiler production – causes and prevention

What is wet litter?

When it comes to broiler production, feed, the quality of chicks and management come easily to our mind. Less attention is given to litter, while litter is defined as the combination of bedding material, mixed with wasted feed and water, excreta, and feathers.

Well managed litter will absorb excess moisture, dilute fecal material, and insulate chicks from the cooling effects of the floor. The optimal litter moisture should average 25 to 35%. The term “wet” litter occurs when the rate of water addition exceeds the rate of evaporation. In severe cases, the bedding material becomes “sealed” and birds are being grown on a damp, slippery and sticky surface. Furthermore, the production is challenged by an increase in insects, odor nuisance (ammonia), soiled feathers, footpad lesions, and breast blisters (Butcher and Miles, 2012). Hermans et al.(2006) stated that for a broiler house of 20,000 birds, the estimated costs associated with poor litter conditions are 950 USD per flock.

Which factors influence wet litter?

1 - Management

Several factors influence the quality of the litter. 65-80% of the water which the broiler takes up, originates from drinking water. Hence, temperature and humidity, and consequently management, have a severe influence on the water intake and water output in broiler production. Under normal conditions, water intake is 1.75 to 2 times higher than feed intake. For a broiler house with 20,000 birds and 34 kg birds/m², this means that 2.5 tons of water are added to the litter every day, underlining the importance of a good housing management.

2 - Nutritional factors

High intakes of potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfate and chlorine will increase water intake and hence water excretion. In case wet litter occurs, the first step should be to check the level of these nutrients.

Furthermore, the fat quality should be checked. Poor fat quality may lead to wet fecal droppings.

In addition to that, the choice of diet ingredients is important. Wheat, barley, and rye contain high amounts of non-starch polysaccharides. It is advisable to add enzymes to diets with high amounts of the mentioned ingredients to prevent wet litter.

Finally, moldy feed might contain huge amounts of mycotoxins which in turn favor wet litter. Hence, only quality feed should be fed to the animals

Wet litter in broiler production – causes and prevention - Image 1

Fig. 1: Wet litter is influenced by many factors

3 - Gut health

A healthy gut is the best prerequisite for an optimal broiler performance.

Any changes in the normal digestive gut ecology will have a direct impact on nutrient absorption and nutrient excretion. In case of a gut inflammation –e.g.caused by Eimeriaspp. (coccidiosis), E. coli, or Campylobacter spp. –several things happen at the same time: more mucus is produced which in turn increases feed passage. Less time for water absorption is available, the water content in the feces increases. Secondly, the surface of the gut is partly destroyed. Less surface for absorption is available, pathogens can proliferate more easily and diarrhea may occur, leading to watery droppings.

How to improve litter quality

Quality of litter is multicausaland several factors should be considered.

First of all, the choice of the bedding material is evident. Wood shavings and peat offer good solutions, while straw –if used –should be chopped to increase water absorption capacity.

Secondly, water supply and management play an important role. Leaking or blocked nipples should be replaced to minimize spilled water from the drinking lines. Drinking lines should be adjusted for the height of the animals. If the drinkers are too low, spillage will increase.

Thirdly, diet composition and mineral contents should be controlled to ensure the best performance of animals.

Fourthly, gut health should be optimized. Ideally, implementation and maintenance of gut health start already in the parent stock (Collet, 2007).

Wet litter in broiler production – causes and prevention - Image 2

Fig. 2: Trials show the positive effect of an application of Sangrovit® on the incidence of wetlitter.

Wet litter can lead to an impaired broiler performance.
Footpad lesions, breast blisters, and increased ammonia levels are the consequence.
An optimal housing management and the right choice of feed are important.
Gut health plays a major role in improving litter quality.
Sangrovit® leads to better litter conditions and therefore influences broiler production in a positive way.