Deep litter
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Deep litter is an animal housing system, based on the repeated spreading of
History
The deep litter method was first used in 1946 by the Ohio Station Brooder House. Before the deep litter method, shavings were removed every one to two weeks, in order to avoid dampness and coccidia. Later, it was discovered that deep litter provides adequate protection from these naturally. The deeper litter provides extra insulation in colder temperatures, as well as extra heat from the decomposition of the litter. Another potential benefit is that when raised under conditions that don't provide adequate nutrition, deep litter poultry is healthier than poultry raised in the traditional method of housing. "By not removing the waste, good microbes come and make their homes in the litter. These microbes actually eat and break down the feces and consume unhealthy bacteria, leaving good bacteria behind."[1]
Benefits
Numerous benefits have been discovered with the use of the deep litter system, also called the "build-up method". One is the increased ability of poultry to fight off
Many studies have been done in order to research potential advantages and disadvantages of the deep litter system. This research covers multiple types of
."The first experimental evidence with reference to the user of built-up litter as a sanitary procedure was secured by the Ohio Station in 1946 when it was first used in the brooder house. During the three years previous when the floor litter was removed and renewed at frequent intervals, the average
Experiments have shown major potential benefits to utilizing the deep litter method, specifically within piggeries. Pigs raised in a deep litter system, do significantly better than pigs raised under similar conditions, on a concrete floor, which is the traditional method. Studies have shown that pigs raised in a deep litter system have a lower feed to gain ratio, produce a higher quality of pork, create a significantly lower amount of gaseous emissions, show improvements in odor nuisance reduction, and have better animal welfare. "Pigs in the deep litter system had greater color score and rate of cooking meat, while they had lower drip loss and cooking loss than loins from concrete-floor system housed pigs." (ZHOU et al. 426)[6] "Results indicate that pigs raised in the deep-litter system had some animal welfare improvements and an odor nuisance reduction; in the meantime, pork quality also improved from the deep-litter system compared to the pigs housed in the concrete-floor system." (ZHOU, abstract)[6] Gaseous emissions were also lower within the deep litter system when compared to traditional systems. "NH3 concentration in the deep-litter system was significantly lower than that in the concrete-floor system" (ZHOU et al. 425)[6] "Deep litter and outdoor production avoids the large quantities of methane normally generated from effluent ponds in conventional piggeries".[7] This study helped to prove numerous benefits not only to our atmosphere, but to the health and animal welfare of the pigs.
Negative effects
A study was conducted to determine the effects on the reproductive system caused by different living styles, for poultry. The deep litter system provided lower efficiency in terms of reproduction, and an increase of food intake. "Feed intake was lower (p < 0.05) in legumes and green pasture than deep litter suggesting economic benefit. It was concluded that access to legumes enhanced the performance of layers compared to deep litter and green pasture as indicated by the parameters measured." (Oke, Abstract)[8] This particular study determined that the deep litter method was not beneficial in terms of egg layer production in chickens.
A study was conducted in three intensive duck farms in China that utilised routine prophylactic antibiotics. This attempted to determine the ability for
Problems may arise from the deep litter method such as rotten bed. This occurs mostly in piggeries, and is caused by high levels of water intake and discharge from the animals, as well as discharging in the same location within the pen. The build-up of moisture cannot be absorbed quickly enough to fully
Innovations
This type of farming has created a new market for sheds specifically designed to utilize the deep litter method. Companies are realizing that this method has multiple benefits and is being accepted by various governments as a greener method of farming. "It has won the support of the government and acceptance of market." (QIN, 1)[10] One type of building being constructed is called the removable deep litter breeding shed. It consists of larger areas for the animals, space to let the litter build to heights not allowed by traditional housing, and economic costs compared to traditional sheds. "Successful exploiture of breeding supporting facilities will greatly promote the development of deep-litter breeding technology in local farms." (QIN, 1)[10]
External links
- http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2013/10/the-deep-litter-method-of-waste.html
- http://naturalchickenkeeping.blogspot.com/p/deep-litter-method.html
References
- ^ a b Natural Chicken Keeping. "Deep Litter Method". Retrieved 22 February 2017.
- ^ Mormino, Kathy (30 October 2013). "The Deep Litter Method of Waste Management in Chicken Coops". Retrieved 22 February 2017.
- ^ Groenestein & Van Faassen, 1996 - Volatilization of Ammonia, Nitrous Oxide and Nitric Oxide in Deep-litter Systems for Fattening Pigs. J. agric. Engng Res. vol. 65, pp269 – 274
- ^ a b c d Plamondon, Robert (28 September 2016). "Deep Litter in Chicken Coops". Retrieved 20 February 2017.
- ^ a b Li, Hui (2014). "Design Of Moisture Control System For Beddings Of Deep-Litter". Agricultural Science & Technology – via Academic Search Premier.
- ^ PMID 25491590– via Academic Search Premier.
- ^ Kruger, Ian. "PigGas-Report" (PDF). p. 2. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
- PMID 26122426.
- ^ PMID 27744296– via MEDLINE.
- ^ a b Qin, Zhu (2014). "Reproductive Performance Of Layer Chickens Reared On Deep Litter System With Or Without Access To Grass Or Legume Pasture". Agricultural Science & Technology 15.12 – via Academic Search Premier.